Unbeaten in their last six games, Ludlow look to complete their remarkable revival tomorrow when they sign off their Bodykraft Hockey League West Midland division one campaign at home to Old Silhillians.
The one-time relegation strugglers continued their winning streak with a 3-1 verdict at Rugeley last Saturday – giving them a realistic chance of a top seven finish.
It was a dominant display that left captain Stuart Richards frustrated that his side did not win by a greater margin.
“I was disappointed we were unable to score more goals given our amount of possession, but we gained three more valuable points that set us up for an exciting season finale tomorrow,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to a great finish to put the icing on an exceptional second half of the season for Ludlow, and I encourage supporters to show up in numbers to celebrate our final league game.”
Ludlow looked goal-hungry and took the lead after just 30 seconds when Andrew Richards surged through the Rugeley defence to set up Tom Aston.
After some short corner chances, the south Shropshire men eventually stretched their lead when an attack down the left wing was cut inside to Vijay Chumber, who picked out Matt Hall to double the advantage.
The visitors’ third was a great solo effort by Andrew Richards, who battled through some questionable tacking before hammering the ball into the roof of the net.
Rugeley struck back five minutes later as they caught their rivals on the break before a sporadic second half saw no further goals.
There was another phenomenal performance from captain Stuart Richards and fellow defender Kevin Williams which ended any ideas of a Rugeley fightback.
Ludlow, who are now unbeaten in their last six matches, have put themselves in prime position for a mid-table finish as they entertain Old Silhillians.
Ludlow sit just two points behind their visitors and have a great opportunity to leap-frog them for seventh place. Push-back is at 1.30pm at Bridge Street Park, Leominster.
l As they plan ahead for next season, Ludlow fielded a men’s third team against a new Worcester side. Ludlow ran out comfortable 5-0 winners with two goals apiece from Tim Machin and Marc Scott while James Parker also found the net.
