A GOAL each for the third successive game by Steve Mares and John Maffei could not prevent Bewdley Town's first league defeat of the season.

They lost 3-2 at home to promotion rivals Hinton in West Midlands League Division One South.

Hinton should have scored after 17 minutes but Luke Semple's penalty was brilliantly saved by keeper Ian Harvey.

Bewdley's work-rate was lacking so it was no surprise when Hinton took the lead from a corner and they soon added a second.

In the second half, brighter Bewdley pulled a goal back inside 10 minutes when Maffei thundered home Paul Field's through-ball.

With Bewdley dictating play and the outstanding John Lawley controlling the back, Hinton were rarely allowed a look at goal.

The equaliser came in the 71st minute after a long throw from captain Neil Turford was flicked on by Chris Hough and Steve Mares nipped in to head home.

The Hinton keeper pulled off terrific saves from Adam Bayliss, Keith Elliot and Turford.

But when Harvey was slow to react to a free-kick, Andy Johnson grabbed Hinton's winner.

Bewdley players are asked to meet at the ground at 12.45pm for Saturday's home game with Malvern Town Reserves (1.45pm).