Ludlow clinch county shield

And on the same weekend, Bridgnorth snatched victory in the Jeff Fletcher Trophy for 2nd Xl sides.

Ludlow reached the final of the senior competition after a 1-1 draw with Oswestry in their first game - a result made even more remarkable after their late arrival.

Market Drayton had been expected provide a stiffer challenge for the West Midlands League division two side, after beating Oswestry 9-1 in their first game.

But Ludlow's fitness proved to be too much, as goals from Andrew Richards, Matt Hall and Carl Everton sealed the victory - despite them playing in a lower league than Market Drayton.

Ludlow chairman Roger Furniss said he was delighted his team's performance, especially in the final game: "The club is very pleased and we totally dominated the last game.

"We only drew our game against Oswestry, whereas Market Drayton seemed a little too confident.

"We were much fitter and we also had a couple of new players who took a while to settle in. The boys played very well and at times it looked as if we had more players on the pitch."

Market Drayton spokesman Brian Rawsthorne also said that fitness was the difference between the two sides in the final: "Ludlow are not better individually, but they moved around a lot and played better as a team.

"If we had been given an hour off after our first game, we might have come back."

He added: "It was just down to fitness in the end."

In the Jeff Fletcher Trophy, Bridgnorth ran out 3-0 winners against Shrewsbury, with goals from Martin Instone, Chris Speke and Peter Daborn.

Earlier in the competition, their opponents Whitchurch had little chance to reply to goals from Joe Toulson and Steve Parnham.

Shrewsbury, meanwhile, beat favourites Telford 2-1 in the first round at Madeley Court, with goals by Phil Miller and Mark Potterton cancelling out a strike from Danny Cheshire.

Bridgnorth captain Dale Bennett said the win was an excellent boost for his side ahead of the new league campaign, which starts on September 30: "We played two games and we gave away no goals, which is very pleasing- our defence played well to stifle the other teams.

"It was two good wins, which sets us up nicely for the new season in Midlands division one."

By James Shaw

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