Powick 0, Newtown Sports 1.

POWICK lost more ground at the top of the Worcester and District League Premier Division as they were beaten at home by Newtown Sports.

The visitors netted their winner midway through the second-half when a curling free-kick deceived everyone and bounced into the far corner.

It was no more than Newtown deserved as they controlled the game for large periods.

Jack Preece had earlier missed a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead just before his side’s breakthrough.

It was until they were behind that the home side started to mount serious pressure on the Newtown goal.

Stu Harvey, who is feeling his way back to full fitness after a lengthy lay-off, looked to be the spark Powick were missing.

He instantly caused problems and was inches away from snatching what would have been an undeserved point.

It got worse for Powick as they lost two defenders to injury during the game. But Scott Barmby, who returned after being away the previous week, looked an able replacement as he came on provided some much-needed stability.

Once again, the champions must pick themselves up and turn their fortunes around if they are to have any chance of securing a third straight league title.

Tomorrow, Powick face the University of Worcester at Victoria Park.

Elsewhere, in the Worcester League Bernard Finnigan Cup, Josh Baker struck twice for Malvern Town (Sunday) who beat the University of Worcester 2-1. Tom Hobbs cracked a hat-trick as Callow End won a nine-goal thriller 5-4 at AA Chequers in the Katherine Rayer Cup, while Danny James was another to net three as Coppertops hammered St John’s 7-0. Chris White bagged a brace in Hallow Village’s 5-3 extra-time success at Colwall St James.

The opening round of the new Southam Trophy saw Hallow thrash West Malvern TC 7-0 with Shane Smith, Lee Sheridan and Steve Coopey all netting twice. David Jones notched a double for Malvern Victoria in their 3-1 success over Cavalier in Sunday Division Four.