IT has proved to be a tough couple of says for Moreton Rangers as they suffered back-to-back defeats in the Hellenic League Division One.

Having won their opening league game 1-0 against newly-promoted Sporting Club Inkberrow, Moreton have gone on to lose their next three in the league.

Their latest defeat was on Tuesday evening, going down 3-0 to Cheltenham Saracens at Petersfield Park.

And that came following Saturday's 4-1 defeat at home to Southam United.

Ryan Harris' header put the visitors into the lead after just six minutes but Matthew Steele did pull Moreton level in the 20th minute.

But they were not level for long as Daz Street re-established the lead in the 23rd minute with a scrambled finish from close range.

Despite going into the break a goal down, Moreton were very much still in the game despite having a lot less of the ball. 

But it would be discipline that would cost them in the second-half as a couple of sin bins allowed Southam to capitalise with two quickfire goals in the second-half. 

And it was Jay Lawes with both of them as he took the game away from Moreton and essentially kill off the contest.

Moreton pushed for a way back into the game but Lewis Hudson made one or two brilliant saves to keep the home side at bay and ensure his side took home all three points. 

And after the winning start to the campaign, the reality of the challenge ahead for Moreton has been laid bare in the last couple of weeks; they will have to fight hard to stay in the division.