THE Daffs' hopes of climbing out of the Hellenic One dropzone went south at Wildsmith Meadow on Saturday, as basement rivals Southam ran out 4-1 winners.

Sporting their new 1st team kit sponsored by SafetyTech Services, Newent went 1-0 up through a Joshua Burns header two minutes before half-time, but immediately conceded a leveller from a long throw into the box.

All square at half-time it was all to play for though, but the wheels then came off, Southam scoring straight after the restart before adding a third from the penalty spot after a collision in the box.

And a fourth before the final whistle left Town rooted to the bottom with one win from 10 games.

Ross Juniors also suffered a sinking feeling, losing 4-0 at home to Bartestree in the HFA Junior Cup.

But Howle Hill squeezed through 4-3 on penalties away to Wellington 2nds, after a brace from Joe Thomas and one from Liam Williams secured a 3-3 draw.

Ruardean Hill were also celebrating a 3-0 Gloucestershire League win at Bromley Heath, Alex Stephens opening the scoring on 10 minutes and beating the last defender for a second on 25 minutes.

Hill also hit the bar after the break, before Kane Fellows headed home a third.

But Lydbrook slipped out of the Gloucestershire Northern 2 top three after hosts Stonehouse 2nds lashed them 5-0.

North Gloucestershire Premier leaders Huntley lost 3-2 at second-placed Milkwall but stay top by two points, while Ruardean Hill 2nds lost 1-0 at home to Lydney A.

NG1 leaders Longhope marched on with a 5-0 win at Tidenham though, Nathan Gwilliam and Harry Tuffley firing braces and Nathan Whittaker one, while Lybrook 2nds lost 3-0 away to Woolaston 2nds.

NG2 leaders Ruardean United won 6-1 away to Harrow Hill A, Alex Rowles and Josh Street firing two apiece backed by strikes for Gavin Kyte and Ollie Rocke, while two for Aidan Reynolds and one for Jean Alveraz secured a 3-0 home win for Mitcheldean 2nds over Rank Outsiders.

Ruardean Hill A won through 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw against visitors Minchinhampton in the GFA Primary Cup, Lee Johnson levelling on 70 minutes. But Lydbrook A lost 2-1 at home to Wickwar 2nds.