MONMOUTH Town suffered a setback in their bid to avoid the drop when they lost 7-1 to visitors Newport City at the weekend.

City went ahead on 15 minutes when Dean Clifford was alert enough to score after his initial header rebounded off a post.

Town levelled eight minutes before half time when Jake Bevan drilled a low shot into the far corner of the City goal.

But that was the only highlight for the Kingfishers when, five minutes later, they were reduced to 10 men after James Greaney was sent off for his challenge on an opponent.

Moments later Rhyse Hudson restored City's lead when he volleyed home Adam Kaplan's cross.

City struck in the first minute of the second half through Hudson's second goal and were cruising when the same player completed his hat-trick.

Ethan Wynne made it 5-1 before sub Ryan Brunsden grabbed a brace to complete the rout.