Ludlow Town Colts 2 Rock Rovers 3 A BRAVE fightback by Ludlow Town Colts at the SBS Stadium went unrewarded as Rovers converted a late penalty to pinch the points and go to the top of the Shropshire Alliance.

Ludlow went 2-0 down but fought back to level the score and were pushing for the winner when the spot kick was awarded.

Rock were the stronger side during the first 15 minutes and put the Colts’ defence under intense pressure.

They took the lead when a long ball caught the home defence out and Mark Carolan nipped in to open the scoring.

Ludlow hit back with both Alley Carvell and Kelvin Powell going close.

Their comeback came to a shuddering halt on the half-hour mark.

Slack play in midfield allowed Rock’s Aaron Pinches to score a second goal.

Rob Taylor attacked down the wing and squared the ball back for Powell to tap home and reduce the deficit.

Ludlow thought that they were to be awarded a penalty for handball but were disappointed when the offence was deemed to have taken place outside the area. The freekick was cleared.

The Colts were fired up in the second half and created chances.

Powell and Taylor both struck the woodwork during a purple patch.

Rock had the ball in the net but the effort was cancelled out for handball.

Craig Simkiss crossed the ball and Powell created the opening for Taylor to level the score.

Colts pushed for the winner, but were eventually caught on the break.

Tom George was penalised for a foul inside the area and Rock converted the penalty through Nick Higgs. Ludlow pushed forward but failed to score again.

Ludlow face another stiff task when the replaced leaders Oswestry Boys Club visit the SBS Stadium this week.

Colts remain one position off the foot of the table with just