THE Romans ruled in Warwickshire as the Daffs battled hard but fell to a second successive 1-0 defeat on Saturday.

Hellenic League One leaders Alcester did miss two penalties as Newent refused to be overrun.

But the Romans' Luke O'Hare finally broke the deadlock on 71 minutes, and that's how it stayed, with the defeat dropping the Daffs down to two above the drop zone.

Newent 2nds were celebrating a 4-2 home win over Hinton though in Herefordshire One, Benjimin Areli, Riley Hall and Alfie Townsend on target along with an own goal.

But Ruardean Hill Rangers were rocked 3-0 by Mangotsfield Rocks in Friday night's Gloucestershire League clash.

A well-delivered corner from Will Aston caused problems in the Ruardean defence after eight minutes, and Calum Macey rose highest in the penalty area to power in a superb header.

Macey then showed great awareness and composure to finish clinically for his and the hosts’ second after the break.

And the result was put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute when Ash Sims laid the ball into the path of Rowan Smith in the box to make it three.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Lydbrook Athletic fell to a 1-0 loss away to Old Richians in Gloucestershire Northern 2, the winner coming in the second half.

Table mates Huntley held on for a 1-1 draw away to high-flying King's Stanley, but were frustrated to lead for 75 minutes thanks to Dan Hall's early strike only to get pegged back late on.

But Howle Hill went second in the North Gloucestershire Premier League with a 3-1 win away to Broadwell 2nds, Joe Thomas, making his 100th appearance alongside Sam Davies, and Archie Cotton on the scoresheet plus an own goal.

Table rivals Longhope lost out 5-3 away to Barnwood 2nds in the Gloucestershire North Junior Cup, Jack Niedzwiecki with a brace and Dan Reid their scorers.

And Mitcheldean were downed 6-2 at Rodborough and Cainscross in the same competition, Joe Hughes and Ethan Kibble with the consolations.

But unbeaten Fownhope maade it four wins from four with a 4-1 home win over Holme Lacey 2nds to stay second in Herefordshire 2, Josh Hunt and Jack Marlow both firing braces.

Other results from the weekend included – Ruardean United 1 Harrow Hill A 2, Lydbrook A 0 Alvington Star 1, Mitcheldean 2nds 6 (Connor Dix 4), Milkwall 2nds 0, Longhope 2nds 1 Yorkley 2nds 11.

Fixtures this Saturday (October 3) include – Banbury Town Dev v Newent Town (UHL Cup), Leominster Town 1sts v Newent 2nds, Ruardean Hill Rangers v Stoke Gifford, Huntley v Fintan, Mitcheldean v Milkwall, Howle Hill v Longhope, Civil Service (Hereford) v Fownhope, Lydbrook 2nds v Mushet & Coalway 2nds, Bream 2nds v Ruardean Hill 2nds, Tidenham v Ruardean United, Alvington Star v Mitcheldean 2nds, Milkwall 2nds v Lydbrook A, Longhope 2nds v Randwick 3rds (Glos Cup Primary North), Ruardean Utd 2nds v Moreton Rangers Dev (Glos Cup Primary North).