WEAKENED Bartestree had several players missing from their West Midlands Division clash at St Martins when they went down to a 4-3 defeat.

Bartestree went ahead with a Mark Avery penalty and doubled their lead when Avery headed in from a well-worked training ground corner routine.

After leading by two goals at half-time, Bartestree were quickly pegged back when St Martin's fired two goals past keeper Rauri Wargen in quick succession. Bartestree hit back on the counter-attack and Darren Andrews curled in a shot from 20yds to make it 3-2.

But, with tiring legs and limited options on the bench, Bartestree conceded a further equaliser before St Martin's netted the winner five minutes from time.

Lads Club, who were also below strength, were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline at Wem Town.

The home side took an early lead but Alex Hunt missed a good chance to level when he headed wide from a James Fennessy cross.

Wem increased their lead before the break and scored a third 20 minutes from the end from the penalty spot after a foul by Liam Jones.

In the 80th minute, the city side's disappointing day was rounded off with a red card for Hunt for retaliation.

Leaders Bromyard Town were without a match but return to action on Saturday when they visit second-placed AFC Ludlow.

Bartestree have no game but Lads Club visit third-placed Worcester Raiders.