LUDLOW paid for a sluggish start in which they conceded two goals in the first five minutes of this Midland Alliance mid-table clash, and although they fought back well they failed to get back on terms.

Joe Williams and David Andrewartha were unusually hesitant in the opening exchanges and home striker Mark Holdcroft showed great awareness to pounce twice with strikes that meant Ludlow faced an uphill struggle to get back into the match.

Ludlow battled back but Holdcroft struck to complete his hat-trick when Ludlow again failed to clear. Oliver Williams gave Town some hope when he found Shaun Humphries with a lovely ball over the top, Humphries controlling it well before expertly lobbing goalkeeper Danny Watson.

Jackson was crudely taken out as he burst into the box, the referee ignoring claims for a penalty, and Busby was inches wide after Darryl Smith had provided an inch perfect cross.

Just before the break Ludlow found themselves three goals down when Andrewartha steer-ed the ball past keeper Martin Poole as he attempted to clear.

After going close through Busby and Smith, Humphries bagged his second goal when he picked up a pass from Andy Blakely to hit the target with a sweet half-volley.

Ludlow battled to save the game and persistent pressure was rewarded in the 85th minute when Darren Leonard drove home. However, Rushall held firm to take all three points.