Newent Town slipped to a 2–1 defeat away at high-flying FC Stratford on Saturday, as the table-toppers continued their excellent run of form in Hellenic Division One.

The Daffs were made to pay for a sluggish opening period, with the hosts taking control early on at the Arden Garages Stadium. Stratford broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes when Dan Baldwin curled a superb free kick into the top corner following a foul on Toby Nicoll. It got worse for Newent eight minutes later as Nicoll turned scorer, finishing smartly over goalkeeper Leyton Joyce to double the lead.

To their credit, Newent regrouped after the break and looked a far more composed side. Dylan Hart halved the deficit five minutes into the second half with a precise finish, giving the visitors a lifeline and renewed belief.

From there, Newent pressed for an equaliser but the Stratford defence held firm under mounting pressure.

The hosts managed the closing stages professionally to extend their lead at the top, while Newent were left frustrated not to have claimed at least a point from an improved second-half showing.

The Daffs now sit 8th in league 4 points away from the playoff spots with two games in hand.