BEWDLEY Town are quickly learning about the harsh realities of West Midland League Premier Division football after two defeats in a week.

Craig Payton's men followed last Wednesday's 3-2 home defeat to Wellington with a 2-0 loss at league leaders Gornal Athletic.

A James Watkins penalty put Wellington on the way after a Ben Drew foul in the mid-week match.

And although Steve Holt fired Bewdley level after good work from Jamie Hart, the visitors took control again.

Wellington extended their lead through Andy Price and Matt Williams with Keith Elliott's late goal proving to be nothing more than a consolation for Bewdley.

On Saturday, Bewdley held out for 35 minutes at table-topping Gornal who had won all five of their previous games, only conceding one goal.

Chris Hough, Lewis Pountney and Matt Payne all registered efforts on goal for Bewdley but it was only a matter of time before Gornal hit them on the break.

Adam Checketts got past Neil Turford on the right and chipped the ball over the advancing Steve Thomas.

Bewdley pushed hard for the equaliser and had a goal disallowed when Pountney was ruled to have fouled the keeper. Despite the introduction of substitute John Hardiman after an injury lay-off, Bewdley were undone by Gornal's second goal on 80 minutes when Ashley Poutney headed in from a corner.

Bewdley entertain Dudley Town at Walshes Meadow at 2.45pm on Saturday.

Bewdley Town reserve team boss Rich Downey has backed the ability of his young squad - despite their embarrassing 8-1 home defeat to Bilbrook.

Luke Woodhouse's late chipped consolation goal was the only highlight of their miserable West Midland League division two match.

But Downey said: "We've got some good young players and I am sure that many of them willbe playing for the first team soon.

"It was one of those days and although there's no excuses, it's a steep learning curve for them.

Bewdley visit Bustleholme at 2.45pm on Saturday after two tough training sessions.