TOWN'S lack of consistency and a failure to convert some of the many chances they created saw them slip to their seventh Midland Alliance defeat of the season at title chasing Coalville.

The visitors played some quality football in the opening quarter and almost opened the scoring after five minutes when Andy Jones saw his volley fly inches wide.

Further Ludlow pressure saw Darren Leonard fail when well placed, and minutes later a sweeping 10-man move gave Darryl Smith a good chance only for him to lose control with the last touch.

Coalville always looked dangerous on the break and the outstanding Rich Saunders set up several counter-attacks which stretched the visiting defence.

However it was Town who looked the most likely to score and just before the break a neat one-two between Tim Jackson and Rob Bruce gave Jackson a shooting opportunity but he could not beat the agility of the former Birmingham City goalkeeper Richard Williams.

In injury time Town were only saved by an excellent challenge from Adrian Marsh as Coalville threatened to break the deadlock.

Immediately after the restart Saunders showed a superb turn of pace to round Will Hughes and open the scoring with a crisp, low drive.

The tireless David Andrewartha combined with Leonard to set up Jones but he was again thwarted by a superb save from Williams.

Town were made to suffer from sloppy defending in the 74th minute when Rees Lester pounced to beat Martin Poole with a low drive.

Andy Blakeley gave the visitors hope when he reduced arrears with a rasping drive in the 86th minute, but Coalville made sure of the winning points when Saunders bagged a second from a free kick in injury time.