NEWCASTLE were dealt a blow when they slipped to defeat by Builth Wells Reserves.

The 3-1 away loss in Mid-Wales League (South) was tough to take for the visitors.

Neither side threatened in the opening 20 minutes of the match before Builth took the lead from a harshly awarded penalty when the ball struck defender John Bateson's arm, which Newcastle felt was in front of his chest, giving him no chance to move it out of the way.

Builth doubled their lead with an excellent goal to go into the half time break 2-0 ahead.

But after some harsh words during the interval, Newcastle's performance improved after the break and took the game to their opponents, although a combination of poor finishing and bad luck didn't help their cause.

Eventually, with 15 minutes remaining they halved the deficit when Tom Bright superbly drilled home from a corner.

Craig Morris and Scott Oxford both then had good chances to equalise but failed to test the home keeper who produced a couple of good saves from distance.

Builth made the game safe in the final minute, though.

This Saturday, Newcastle are at home to St Harmon.

Meanwhile, Norbury ended up on the wrong end of a 6-1 rout when they hosted league leaders Rock Youth in Division One of the Shrewsbury & District Sunday League.

Rock scored an early goal and were 5-0 up at half time.

In the second half, John Hudson pulled one back before Rock made it 6-1.