PERSHORE returned pointless from a long trip to Newtown after a 4-1 defeat in West Midlands Hockey League Division Two.

They were missing a few regulars but welcomed back Ed Deacon, who missed the first half of the season with a knee injury.

The Vale side started brightly and went ahead through Steve Ridsdale but Newtown equalised before half-time.

After the break, Pershore's Karl Lawson took a nasty blow to the face, which required hospital treatment, and Antony Handley suffered a back spasm, reducing them to nine men.

Newtown forced home the advantage to take the lead and added two further goals against the battling visitors.

Pershore face a resurgent Evesham team at home on Saturday in a Vale derby.

Meanwhile, Pershore seconds lost 3-1 at home to Wednesbury as a mistake allowed the visitors to go ahead.

The hosts levelled through Ali Sanderson but Wednesbury won the game in a turgid second period.

Pershore thirds were unable to raise a team so lost 3-0 to Bloxwich.

The ladies lost 2-1 at home to Worcester seconds in a friendly with Amanda Barnes on target.