Ludlow Town 1 Dudley Town 3

SLACK marking from three set pieces cost Ludlow Town dear in their opening game in the West Midlands Premier League.

After 15 minutes, Ludlow conceded a free kick on the right hand side, 25 yards out. Dudley knocked the ball across the area and their centre forward stabbed home from six yards out.

Ludlow created a couple of half chances going close through Dean Richards and Mike Edwards.

But then they were caught again on the stroke of half time when Dudley were awarded a free kick just inside the Ludlow half.

Dudley moved the ball quickly and their striker fired home diagonally into the top corner beating keeper Antony Prince.

With 25 minutes to go, Ludlow were caught out again from a free kick when Dean Richards missed a clearance, the ball dropped to a Dudley player and his shot was deflected into the net.

Ludlow, to their credit, continued to press forward and created three or four good chances.

With 15 minutes to go, 17-year-old midfielder Luke Hicks came on as substitute and when a corner came to him, struck home from 20 yards out.

Andy Pugh then hit the post and Liam O'Brien had a good effort smothered by the Dudley keeper.

Ludlow manager Chris Richards said: "We are disappointed with this result. You can't give an opposition three goals. We must sharpen up in defence and the players now realise we have plenty to work on from set pieces.''

He added: ''On the plus side, we created enough chances from open play which on another day would have been converted.''

Following last night's home derby with local rivals Bridgnorth, Ludlow travel to Goodrich on Saturday, kick off 3pm.