PERSHORE Men's Firsts' survival chances took a dent as they lost 8-3 at fellow strugglers Newtown in BodyKraft West Midlands Division One.

A poor 20-minute spell allowed the hosts to storm into a 5-0 lead and, although the Vale side fought back strongly, the damage was already done.

The second-half was a different story after Graeme Rushin made tactical changes to solve the midfield overload and Pershore looked threatening.

Gareth Rushton intercepted and fed Toby Whiting, who played a neat one-two with Steve Ridsdale before passing to Dave Hindle and he found the net with a shot on the run.

Moments later, excellent work from Lea Hawkes set up another attack and Whiting set up Rushton to fire home.

Rushton scored his second soon after following good work from Vince Crawley and Russell Scudamore.

But a penalty flick gave Newtown a sixth goal and they stretched the lead to leave Pershore staring relegation in the face.

Pershore Seconds lost 2-0 at home to Berkswell and Balsall after an epic contest saw them topple from the top of the division.