NEWENT Town had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to mid-table Ludlow Town in midweek after Kyle Taylor had put them in front early in the second half.

The Daffs were hoping for three points in their Hellenic One basement battle, but Knights sub Sean Evans netted 10 minutes from time to leave Newent five points from safety with four games left.

The Daffs Development also drew 2-2 at home with Bourton Rovers on Saturday thanks to a last-gasp leveller from Jerry Ezequiel deep into stoppage time.

That extended their unbeaten run to four games in Hellenic Two West, with Billy Osemwengie their other scorer on 28 minutes.

Ross Juniors were celebrating a third win though, as they downed top-half visitors Yorkley 2-1 in North Gloucestershire One, thanks to goals from Stuart Hill and Conner Watkins.

Elsewhere, Lydbrook Athletic's promotion push continued to stall, three straight losses followed by a 0-0 home draw with Gloucestershire Northern 2 basement boys Woolaston, leaving the Wyesiders seventh.

Howle Hill were beaten 6-2 at Weston by NG Premier high flyers Westbury, with consolations from Ben Fletcher and James Moreton.

Westbury took top spot from Mitcheldean who were held 1-1 at home by mid-table Milkwall, Adam Beaumont the hosts’ scorer.

And the two title rivals clash this Saturday, with the Robins on the road to the Severnside table-toppers.

But basement boys Ruardean Hill 2nds finally secured a first win of the season, beating third-from-bottom Ellwood 3-2 at home.

Eight points clear, NG1 leaders Longhope have one hand on the title already after a 6-1 home win over Tidenham, Richard May firing a brace backed by goals from Florin Crainic, Nathan Gwilliam, Daniel Morgan and Peter Webb.

But Mitcheldean 2nds lost 2-0 at Harrow Hill in NG2, while second-placed Ruardean United lost 3-1 away to Bream 2nds, Alex Rowles with the consolation.

Ruardean Hill A filled their boots though winning 13-0 away to English Bicknor 2nds in NG3, with 12 different scorers.

Cameron Peacey bagged a brace, backed by Aaron Barnett, Matthew Cook, Dan Edwards, Connor Horsfall, Lee Johnson, Kirt Jones, Freddie Martin, Alfie Nicholls, Lewis Bowkett, Mason Phels and Harley Green.

Fixtures this Saturday (March 22) include – Ross Juniors v Redmarley & Tibberton, Newent Town v Tytherington Rocks, Totterdown United v Ruardean Hill Rangers, Viney St Swithins v Lydbrook Athletic, Harrow Hill 2nds v Ruardean Hill 2nds, Sling v Longhope, Tidenham v Lydbrook 2nds, Howle Hill v Whitecroft, Westbury v Mitcheldean, Mitcheldean 2nds v Bream 2nds, Ruardean United v Soudley 2nds, Millwall 2nds v Ruardean Hill A