LYE Town’s unbeaten run in the Midlands League came to an end this week when they were defeated at the hands of bottom of the table Brocton.

Town suffered the worst possible start to 2017 with a 3-1 loss on their travels to the Staffordshire outfit in the bank holiday Monday fixture.

Midfielder Ben Jeavons’ goal for Lye was cancelled out by Sam Bell, before strikes from David Berks and David Ablewhite put the game to bed for Brocton.

The result has now moved the home side off the foot of the Premier Division table – with Brocton now one place and one point above Tividale – while also putting a dent in the title hopes of Lye.

Although any prospect of going up is already out of the question after a decision was made by the club not to apply for promotion this season following a lease row over their Stourbridge Road ground with Dudley Council.

The defeat also marks the first time in 19 games, after a run stretching back to a 3-0 loss away at fellow title chasers Sporting Khalsa in August that Lye have not come away with at least a point in a league game this season.

Town, who sit second in the table, four points behind leaders Alvechurch, will hope to get their season back on track on Saturday (3pm) when they head back home and face off against Walsall Wood.