HIGHWORTH Town suffered a fifth winless game in a row following a 3-1 to defeat to Cirencester Town on New Year's Day.

In the Worthians' first Southern League Division One South fixture since December 18, the home side went behind in the seventh minute after a long ball over the top from Ciren goalkeeper, Alexander Harris was not dealt with, and Levi Irving latched onto it before finishing past Connor Johns.

In a cagey derby affair, real chances were at a premium before the break. Only Ash Edenborough's long-range shot - which was comfortably saved - punctuated the remaining first-half action.

But just as they had done in the first half, Cirencester scored in the early moments of the second half to double their lead.

After Worthians captain Dan Comer blocked an initial shot, Ciren's Aiden Bennett made no mistake the second time when hammering into the net in the 47th minute.

However, all was not lost for Highworth when five minutes later Edenborough saw a shot significantly deflect off a defender before looping over Harris and into the net.

Johns produced an excellent stop to keep Highworth in the game soon after before Edenborough wasted a glorious chance to level the scores by blasting a penalty over the bar with 20 minutes to play.

Highworth would ultimately be punished for that when former Swindon Supermarine man Joe Shepherd converted a left-wing cross in added time.

Elsewhere, in the Hellenic League Premier Division, Royal Wootton Bassett Town lost their first game of 2022 courtesy of a 4-0 reverse away at Bradford Town on Monday.

Following a goalless first 45 on a difficult Trowbridge Road playing surface, the Bobcats leading marksman George Box scored a hat-trick to put the results beyond doubt.

And in added time, Harvey Baker flicked in a header to make it 4-0 on a sobering afternoon for Sam Collier's side.