Highmoor boss Marcus Richardson reverted to his strongest available line up after making six changes to the team which had suffered a 5-0 defeat at Windsor in their previous game.

However, the visitors started brightly and had a number of chances to take the lead, with both Ben McCready and Danny Langfordgoing close in the early stages.

Rob Tebby was excellent in the Highmoor goal and even when he was rounded by Luke Walker, the Newbury player missed the target.

Highmoor made the relegation threatened side play for their profligacy as top scorer Anthony White opened the scoring in the 14th minute, latching onto a fine through ball from strike partner Sanchez Commock and drilling the ball home from 12 yards.

Although there were no further goals in the first half, Newbury saw a number of efforts go close - most notably when Dave Parry hit the woodwork - while Highmoor also had opportunities.

Two goals in the opening minutes of the second half effectively ended the game as a contest as the league leaders showed their dominance. Firstly White added a volley on 46 minutes, before Jordan Brown added a 35-yard screamer a minute later.

This knocked the wind of the visitors sails and although not lying down, they did seem to lose their attacking danger as the hosts began to open up their defence at will.

Only poor finishing stopped White bagging a hat-trick and Harrison Bayley missed a golden chance.

Newbury had the opportunity to pull a goal back on 75 minutes as they earned a penalty, but a fingertip Tebby save from Callum Willmoth saw him add another clean sheet to his collection.

Highmoor are now unbeaten in 11 league games - including eight wins - and will look to continue their title charge when they host lowly Shrivenham at Palmer Park on Saturday (3pm).

l A much-changed ​Highmoor Ibis side containing several reserves lost 3-1 at home to Wantage Town Reserves in the Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup on Monday.

Anthony White fired them ahead in the 16th minute with a rising shot from a tight angle. Tristan Campbell rattled the woodwork and Highmoor missed several good chances to turn their domination into goals.

But it all went horribly wrong for the league leaders in the last 20 minutes of this second round tie.

Defender Zac Tull was shown a straight red card for a bad challenge and the Division One West strugglers took charge.

Karl Roberts equalised after 73 minutes and six minutes later Andy Barton headed the visitors in front with Rocky Whiting adding a third goal two minutes from the end.