DEAN Richards’s third goal in as many matches was in vain as Church Stretton’s winning start to the Mercian Regional League came to an abrupt halt on Saturday.

In truth, Childs Ercall were out of sight through a brace from Luke Smith and Grant Cowan’s goal at Jubilee Village Hall long before Richards struck in the 3-1 setback.

It was a bad end to what had been a good week for Paul Smith’s men on the back of Wednesday’s 4-1 thrashing of Clee Hill United at Knowle Sports Ground.

Richards opened the scoring with Dan Perry, Matthew Newton and Scott Peever also finding the net as Stretton set the early pace. Craig Breakwell grabbed the home side’s consolation.

Rivals Madeley Sports and Gobowen Celtic took advantage with victories at the weekend but the Russell’s Meadow outfit sit third, a point off the summit.

In Division One, Craven Arms Town failed to build on their opening-day draw when they succumbed to a 2-0 home defeat to Brown Clee on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Orleton Colts let slip an early lead in a 4-2 defeat at Ledbury Town in the Herefordshire County League.

Martin Edwards put the visitors in front before Colts went 3-1 down. Jack Davies halved the deficit but Orleton got caught with a fourth while pushing for a leveller late on.