BEWDLEY Town squandered a half-time lead to lose 2-1 at Mahal in West Midlands League Division One South.

The visitors played some of their best football of the season in the first half, totally controlling the game at the Hadley Stadium.

But a mixture of missed chances, good keeping and controversial refereeing decisions kept them to one goal at the break.

It arrived after just 10 minutes when Grant Gibbs beat two players, played a one-two with Neil Turford and rounded the keeper before scoring.

Bewdley kept up the pressure and from one of four Gary Middleton free-kicks, Chris Bow headed home only for the effort to be disallowed.

The second half started in the same mode with Paul Hyde and Turford covering all the pitch.

Bewdley thought they had their second goal when the ball crossed the line only for play to continue.

There was a delay of 20 minutes while Mahal's Parjinder was taken to hospital with a leg injury.

This was the turning point of the game as within five minutes of the re-start Avtar King scored twice.

Bewdley's misery was compounded when Bow was sent off with a Mahal defender after an off-the-ball incident.

Fixture, Saturday: Ludlow Town Reserves v Bewdley Town (players to meet at Wagon and Horses at 12.30pm).

Nic Murray has been appointed as Bewdley's new physio.