AFC Ludlow 3 Morda United 1

AFC Ludlow manager Dave Cooper said that his team still have plenty to do to win the Mercian League Premier Division despite being odds-on favourites for the title.

Cooper’s boys gained revenge against bogeyside Morda to put them within three points of Mercian League Premier Division leaders Church Stretton with six games in hand.

Should Ludlow gain promotion, the SBS Stadium side are hopeful that they will be in West Midlands League Division Two next season.

“We have got games in hand, but we’ve got to win them,” said Cooper.

“We will definitely try to get into West Midlands League Division Two.

“We drew 4-4 with Newport Town recently and they will win that league, so we can more than compete with the teams.”

Ludlow lost four times against Morda last season, but there was never any chance of them losing again as goals from Jake Pryce, Jamie Marsh and Nathan Hodge ensured that Ludlow secured a comfortable win .

“After four crashing defeats, it was good to win and we missed two penalties as well,” said Cooper.

“We played really well and the players were up for it.

“Our goalkeeper had nothing to do, apart from coming for crosses.

“Last year, it was almost as if the players went on to the pitch knowing that they were going to lose, which is a horrible feeling. But, on Saturday everyone fought well and wanted the win.

“We have got a good bunch of players here and everyone puts a shift in. People are just happy to play.”

Pryce opened the scoring with a screamer after 16 minutes, but a Morda equaliser ensured that it was level at half-time.

However, Ludlow stepped up a gear after the break and were awarded a penalty when Alan Williams was fouled inside the box. His ef fort, however, was saved by the Morda keeper, but Adrian Marsh soon re gained possession to set up Jamie Marsh to score from 30 yards.

Ludlow were awarded a second penalty when substitute Hodge was upended. Despite his spot-kick being saved, Hodge was on hand to score the rebound.

Ludlow’s scheduled home game against sixth-placed Allscott on Saturday has been postponed.

Allscott are unable to raise a side and the match will now be played on Thursday, December 20, kick-off 7.45pm.

“It will be a really tough game as they have beaten Morda and beat Church Stretton 5- 1 on Saturday,” said Cooper.

“Things are looking ok at the moment, but Allscott won’t be a push-over.

“It would be nice to go into Christmas with another three points though."