Newark and Sherwood United suffer a 3-0 defeat against Loughborough University students in the Premier Division North United Counties League

It was another difficult road trip for Newark and Sherwood United as they headed to Loughborough University to take on Loughborough Students in their Premier Division North United Counties League fixture.

The 3-0 loss wasn't what the visitors wanted who had lost 5-1 earlier in the season at the same ground to exit the FA Cup competition.

A 2-2 draw in August at home had been a much more promising result against the scholars but it wasn't to be the Highwaymen's day this time around.

The league contenders opened the scoring in the 22nd minute thanks to Gibraltar international Niels Hartman.

Hartman headed the ball at the back post before a couple of minutes later, Loughborough hit their second thanks to a goal from Finlay Brennan.

The two sides went into the half-time break with Loughborough up 2-0 in front of 185 spectators.

It was a controlled performance from Newark and Sherwood in the second-half with Ross Woolley making some good saves when needed.

However, the scholars put the game beyond doubt when in the 78th minute Ryan Hayes netted the third and final goal.

Ryan Ebanks was awarded the Highwaymen's man-of-the-match award after a valiant performance in defence.

"We knew we would have to be at our best on the day but two goals in quick succession changed the course of the game," said Newark and Sherwood United manager Jonathan D'Laryrea.

"There are positions up for grabs for the upcoming final but also contracts to be considered for next season so it is vital we give it our all for the remaining games."

The side then travelled to Selston but the game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

United will next play AFC Mansfield at home on Saturday, (kick-off 3pm) and they currently sit in ninth position on the table.