THE struggle of Brockhampton without professional Daryl Mitchell continued as they slipped further towards the Birmingham and District Division One trap door.

With relegation rivals Leamington and Himley both picking up vital victories the Herefordshire side now sit 40 points from safety with five games remaining.

The previous weekend's victory over Tamworth gave Brockhampton renewed optimism as they hosted a promotion chasing Shifnal side last weekend.

However, the warning signs were on the wall from the outset when opener Henry Langford lost his wicket without a single run on the board.

Fellow opener Oliver Rogoff fared better and kept his wicket throughout the innings but with wicket keeper Ian Bullock next top scoring on 10 his unbeaten 59 runs could only help Brockhampton to finish on 104 all out from 39.2 overs.

In reply Jamie McIlroy led the early bowling attack taking 2-30 and catching another off the bowling of Dominic Badger.

However, after a steady start for Shifnal soon settled into their rhythm and an unbeaten 40 for Ross Aucott helped his side to victory on 108-3 off just 16.2 overs.

Brockhampton will be looking to regain some home form this weekend when they host mid-table Oswestry before heading to basement side Wellington the following week.