WESTFIELDS started the new year where they left 2005 -- with another disappointing defeat.

The Hereford side were reduced to 10 men and then conceded a late penalty at Causeway United as they lost a big relegation dogfight 1-0.

Second-from-bottom Westfields and Causeway, just two positions better off before kick-off, had both gone over three months without a league win.

It did not help when Westfields lost central defender Daniel Moon who was booked in the first-half and then rightly sent off five minutes from time for continual dissent to the referee.

Westfields were left with an even bigger uphill task and conceded to Ian Kirkham's penalty on 88 minutes, given for a Paul Price foul on Simon Dixon. Earlier both defences had been on top with goalkeeper Jon Pugh, Anthony Rivett and Jon Hill all doing well for Westfields.

After a tight goalless first-half, Westfields enjoyed the better of the second period and Roy Jordan forced a superb save from Matt Sidaway with a 20-yard drive.

The visitors had a great chance to open the scoring on 70 minutes when Rivett put over a fine left-wing cross but Derek Craddock headed over the bar from six yards.

Sidaway then saved again at the foot of the post from a Chris King shot before Moon let everyone down with his dissent to the referee, despite being warned by team-mates.

With 10 men, Westfields were put under pressure and Causeway forced the penalty to earn their first league win since September 5.

They have a tough task on Saturday when high-flying Quorn visit allpay.park.

Meanwhile, Pershore Town marked former Littleton boss Andy Robbins' first game in charge with an important 3-0 home victory over Coleshill Town.

Archdales '73 moved into the top half of Midland Combination Division One with a 3-0 win at Handsworth United.

A sixth consecutive league win stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games after a largely uneventful first-half.

Neither side created any chances until a moment of sublime finishing by Jason Beck broke the deadlock.

On the stroke of half-time, Beck latched on to a Gordy Beauchamp cross to power home from 20 yards.

Within minutes of the re-start, the game was over with the 'Dales bagging a brace in a few moments of magic.

First Darren Tafft, showed his quality with a great lob following Ashley Banner's through-ball.

Beauchamp finished the third goal off after being put away by man-of-the-match Richard Silk to top off a fantastic Christmas and new year programme with maximum points.

'Dales are now eighth in the table with games in hand on sides above them. Littleton, defeated 3-2 by 'Dales on Saturday, drew 1-1 at Knowle.

In Division Three, Droitwich Spa Reserves defeated Greenhill 2-1.