BROMSGROVE Sporting lost 3-0 away at title-chasing Bedford Town as the Rouslers suffered their first away defeat since November.
A brace from Leon Lobjoit put the home side in command before Ryan Blake sealed the points for the league leaders late in the second half at The Eyrie.
The result means Sporting sit 17th in the Southern League Premier Central table, four points above the relegation zone.
Bedford made a fast start as a ball in from the right travelled across the box into the path of Lobjoit who saw his goalbound effort superbly blocked by a sliding Jack Newell.
Town’s Edward Panter then fired a low shot narrowly wide when off balance in the penalty area.
The home side eventually broke the deadlock on 26 minutes when Huw Dawson stretched to keep the ball in play and Lobjoit lofted an effort over Charlie Price into the left-hand corner of the goal.
Bedford almost doubled their lead as Panter sent a fierce volley from just outside of the penalty area narrowly wide of the post.
After the break, Sporting midfielder Billy Shaw saw his low effort comfortably saved by Bedford goalkeeper Jameson Horlick.
And Bedford doubled their lead on 51 minutes when Lewis Hilliard’s shot hit the post and Lobjoit turned the loose ball into an empty net from six-yards out.
The home side made sure of the points on 75 minutes as Blake poked a shot through the legs of Price from close range from Panter’s square ball.
Sporting’s best spell of the game came late on as Horlick pushed Jamie Meddows’ curling effort to safety.
And Jamie Soule then saw his shot saved before Horlick superbly tipped substitute Fin Holmes’ curling shot behind.
The defeat brings an end to Sporting’s five-game unbeaten run on the road.
Bromsgrove are next in action against Alvechurch in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Cup on Tuesday, February 11 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the Victoria Ground.
