Newtown 3 H'west County 0 ThIS was one of those games where things started reasonably well for the Bluebirds but went downhill rapidly int he second half.

The Bluebirds went in with a 3-5-2 formation, with Wayne Jones back from injury, pushing forward into a left wing back position, with Richie Adams wide on the right. The new striking partnership of Lee Brown and Jon Keaveney beginning up front.

Deryn Brace's side looked to have had an early escape when Dean Rossiter launched into what looked like a two-footed tackle in the penalty area. But the home appeals were turned away.

Gradually the visitors started to get into the game, with the midfield getting on the ball. Colin Loss and Adams in particular putting in good displays.

The two new strikers Brown and Keaveney both looked dangerous and during one attack Keaveney was put through through but was unable to find the back of the net.

Another chance came and went just after the half-hour as Rossiter chipped at goal but the ball drifted wide. The bluebirds came even closer soon after. A one-two, involving Loss and Adams, led to Loss crossing and Brown thumping a header against the post.

Brown continued to get into the action and only a fractional offside decision held him up.

The dangerous Adams then went on a swift run, nut-megged his man and was hauled down. But, disappointingly, the free kick came to nothing. Finally Newtown got into the contest with two sharp attacks on Lee Kendall's goal. One effort flew wide and Kendall had to be at his best to keep out a scorching drive.

The Bluebirds had been the better side in the first-half but the second half was a different matter.

Kendall suddenly became the far busier of the two keepers and for a time defied the Robins brilliantly.

The Blues midfield just couldn't find the fluidity of the first 45 and Newtown took control.

Lee Hudgell, Tim Hicks and Brace came on to try to make an impact but conditions really were awful and the bigger Newtown side seemed better able to adjust.

And the Bluebirds were stunned by a three-goal Newtown burst. In the 66th minute a corner led to a scramble and Danny Barton stabbed home the ball. Kendall made a bizarre save in the 70th minute, heading off his line, before Mark Allen notched the second.

Finally, in the 78th minute Danny Desmoreaux fired home from the edge of the box.

The Bluebirds tried hard to rescue something but the game was always beyond them.

They face Newi Cefyn Druids next Saturday at 2.30 p.m. The following Tuesday, 2nd November, they are at home to Port Talbot in the second leg of the second round tie in the Loosemores of Cardiff Challenge Cup.

They lost the first leg 2-1 last week, despite a 30-yard Dean Rossiter goal. In the second round of the Welsh Premier Cup, the Blues have been drawn away to Port Talbot, with the date to be arranged.

Hwest County: Kendall; Barnhouse, Wayne Jones, Rossiter, Thomas, Rob Jones, Adams, Brown, Keaveney, Loss, Palmer. Subs (all used): Hicks, Brace, Hudgell.