DIVISION One title hopefuls Somerford failed in their attempt to close the gap on leaders Prestige Bodyworks, and a 7-2 loss away at North Star A means that the villagers may even now miss out an automatic promotion spot.

Somerford could only field nine players for one of their biggest games of the season, so it was little surprise that they came unstuck as their defeat has derailed their chances of reaching the top flight.

Aaron Hopkins' double and James Aplin’s first of the game helped the Star to a 3-1 interval lead, Matt Spear scoring for Somerford.

Kieran Ingram was on target for the villagers in the second half but his goal was just a consolation as two more from Aplin saw him complete a hat trick.

Paul Green and Steve Allison also both found the net either side of Aplin’s third to make up the Star’s seven.