NEWENT Town secured a priceless early Christmas present as they beat Wellington 2-0 at Wildsmith Meadow on Saturday, lifting them off the Hellenic League One basement.

It was only the second league win of the season for the Daffs, who are still 10 points off safety, but will boost Romayne Thomas and his men heading into the busy festive period, with plenty of points up for grabs.

Newent were 'ho ho hoping' to turn a corner after no win since August 10, though neither side managed a first half breakthrough.

But after the restart, new man Riley Stokes fired home to put Newent 1-0 up before another debutant, Josh Comerford, rifled home for the second either side of a Deqwon Ebanks effort that hit the post.

It won't get easier for Newent however, with a final game before Christmas this Saturday at division leaders Droitwich Spa.

Elsewhere, Ross Juniors couldn't add to their sole win in North Gloucestershire One, downed 6-1 by leaders Longhope, with former Ross man Florin Crainic firing a hat-trick, backed by a Rick May brace and one for Danny Morgan, with the consolation from Keiran Young.

Ruardean Hill drew 3-3 at home to Totterdown in Gloucestershire County, Steve Clark, Taylor Blaby and Clark again putting them 3-0 up before the visitors took advantage of an Olly Mason red card to fight back.

Lydbrook United found the gap of two divisions too much as they were dumped out of the Gloucestershire Senior Cup 7-0 at Frampton United.

And Mitcheldean lost top spot to Westbury in NG Premier after being held to a 1-1 draw by Howle Hill at Weston playing field, Liam Williams with the hosts’ goal.

Huntley lost 3-1 at Elwood in a mid-table battle, and Ruardean Hill 2nds crashed 4-1 away to Lydney A.

Lydbrook 2nds were held 3-3 at home by NG1 basement side Woolaston 2nds, while NG2 high-flyers Ruarden United slipped up 1-0 away to Lydney B.

But third-placed Lydbrook A won 5-0 away to NG3 basement boys Rank 2nds, and Aaron Barnett and Mason Phelps fired Ruardean Hill A to a 2-1 home win over Westbury 2nds.