NEWCASTLE slipped to a 4-0 defeat at home to table-toppers Radnor Valley in Mid Wales League (South).

The home side never recovered from a slow start which saw them 2-0 down in the first five minutes of the game.

After the early setback, though, mid-table Newcastle appeared to grow in confidence and for long periods were more than a match for their high-flying opponents.

Craig Morris came close to halving the deficit but saw his shot go narrowly over the bar.

The home side were dealt another blow soon after when they Richard Williams who was forced off with a knee injury.

To make matters worse, Radnor then scored their third with an unchallenged header from a free kick, leaving Newcastle to rue yet more poor defending.

After the break the game became a tighter affair although Newcastle were still unable to take a number of chances that came their way.

At the other end, home goalkeeper Gary Davies produced two excellent blocks to deny Radnor Valley a fourth before the visitors finally added to their total with 15 minutes remaining following an excellent individual goal that they could do little about.

The result underlined the visitors place at the top of the league, while Newcastle remain in ninth.

Elsewhere in the division, Hay St Marys slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Rhayader Reserves while Knighton Town Reserves hammered Brecon Northcote 6-1.

In the day's other game, Llanidloes Reserves beat St Harmon 5-1.

This Saturday, Newcastle face another tough game when they entertain Carno Reserves (2pm) who currently sit third.

Radnor Valley face another away game, this time at Brecon Northcote.