Ludlow Town boss Chris Richards is planning to give his fringe players a chance to impress in the coming weeks after the club’s derby jinx continued in the West Midland League premier division.
The SBS Stadium men – who host AFC Wulfrunians tomorrow – suffered a 3-0 loss at county rivals Ellesmere Rangers in midweek as they struggle to make their mark against Shropshire opposition this term.
With his side virtually assured of a mid-table placing this term, Richards admits it is the ideal chance to give the whole squad a run-out in the remaining six outings.
“Obviously we want to win every game, but I want to give all the 16 or 17 lads a run-out in the coming weeks as I’ve got one eye on next season,” he said.
“A lot have been very patient on the bench, but I want to involve the players who haven’t figured so much and keep them interested for next season. It’s a good chance to give them a run with us in mid-table.”
Despite the 3-0 reverse to Ellesmere, Richards was satisfied with the performance but admitted his side had lacked a cutting edge against a side whose management team includes former Ludlow assistant boss John Rhodes.
It was the second defeat suffered at the hands of Ellesmere this season, which added to disappointments against other county rivals this term.
“It was disappointing as Ellesmere also had four players who were with us at the start of the season,” said Richards.
“But I couldn’t fault our effort, we didn’t let ourselves down but we lacked a bit of quality in the final third of the pitch which was the difference between the sides.
“I think the score flattered Ellesmere a bit. We worked really hard and competed well but did not test their keeper enough.
“We had as much if not more possession in the first half but did not make it count. As the game went on we became less and less effective.
“I can’t blame the front two as they didn’t get the service, our midfield are usually creative but it didn’t happen for us on the night.”
Ludlow worked hard to close their rivals down but their lack of height was again exposed as Danny Barton headed home a 27th minute free kick.
The encounter remained in the balance, but it was Ellesmere who extended their lead on 68 minutes when Jamie Evans headed home.
Ludlow struggled to create many chances with few crosses being put into the box.
Keeper Ricky Lee Marston made a couple of fine saves for the visitors but the game was over once Andy Ford crashed home a third 10 minutes from time.
While they struggled to carve openings at Ellesmere, the south Shropshire men had no trouble finding the goal with a 5-4 victory at Ledbury last Saturday.
“It was a very wet pitch and was a nightmare for defenders but the crowd certainly got their money’s worth,” admitted Richards.
Ludlow took the lead after just three minutes when Jack Keating pounced on a loose ball after the keeper had failed to hold from Ollie Kesterton.
But, having carved out several openings, the visitors eased off and lowly Ledbury hit back to lead 2-1 at the break.
After a few strong half time words, Ludlow came out firing on all cylinders as they raced into a 5-2 lead.
Marcus Sharrad levelled, then Liam Turner headed the visitors into the lead and Kesterton made it four.
Dan Tolley then released Marvin Joseph to make it five, but Ludlow were then caught out at the back as Ledbury made it 5-4 with two replies to set up a tense finish.
Kesterton is struggling to be fit for tomorrow’s clash after being forced off in midweek with a knee injury.
