Stratford Town 1 Ludlow Town 1

LUDLOW were worthy of sharing the points with Midland Alliance high-fliers Stratford and offered further evidence that Les Bristow's team is starting to gel.

Both teams tried to play football but were frustrated by the poor condition of the playing surface. This played a significant role in thwarting many promising moves as the bobbling ball defied attempts to keep slick passing going.

Andy Jones and his co-striker Darryl Smith did well up front and were a constant threat to the Stratford defence, but their forward colleagues Chris Busby and Tim Jackson had quiet games as they struggled for control in the difficult conditions.

At the back Joe Williams and David Andrewartha dealt well with any home threat. Williams moved up for a corner in the 15th minute and rose above the defence but saw his powerful header scream over the bar.

Ludlow's endeavours were rewarded in the 20th minute when a swift attack caused havoc in the Stratford box and Smith forced home the opening goal from close range, courtesy of a deflection off a defender.

After the interval Ludlow continued to control the game and absorbed any pressure from their experienced hosts well.

They could do little to stop the Stratford equaliser with home mid-fielder Michael Stephenson picking up a loose ball some 25 yards out and powering an unstoppable drive past visiting goalkeeper Martin Poole.

Ludlow continued to look for a winner and in the closing minutes thought they had grabbed the points when Busby made a great run to pick up a superb diagonal pass only to see his volley drift inches wide.