Gornal 2 Ludlow 1

LUDLOW are bottom of the West Midlands Premier despite a spirited performance on Saturday at league contenders, Gornal.

Manager Chris Richards said: "We are where we don't want to be. We are under no illusions and have to work our way through this. It may take a while but we'll get there despite a bad start to the campaign.''

He added: "When you are struggling, things go against you but the lads have to be positive. If we apply ourselves like we did on Saturday, results will come.''

Ludlow are away to Lye Town on Saturday, kick off 3pm, and are still a little bit undermanned due to injuries picked up in the past few weeks. Powell has called upon centre half Adrian Marsh to step up from the reserves and take his place in the heart of the defence.

At the weekend, the visitors pressurised for most of the first half, restricting Gornal to a couple of chances. Ludlow went in 0-0 at the break with Liam O'Brien going close on two occasions, looking like they were in with a shout.

Ludlow then went 1-0 down to a disputed penalty when keeper Mark Fullwood, shadowing a striker, dived at his feet, punched the ball clear but was said to have won the ball unfairly.

Despite this setback, they continued to contest the game until another decision went against them. Gornal netted from a free kick after the referee decided the off side trap had not been sprung.

Ludlow were 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go. But they pulled one back when Andy Pugh headed home from six yards out.

Ludlow fought hard in the closing stages but failed to find the finishing touch and the point they probably deserved.