Ludlow Colts chalk up another win

After clinching the title with victory over Shobdon at the weekend, Colts galloped to another impressive victory in midweek as they swept past Orleton 4-0.

Colts were on the front foot from the off and were given a helping hand when the hosts conceded an own goal following some good work from Dan Griffiths.

It was 2-0 by half-time thanks to a strike from Sami Watkins, who found the net after John Brick had cleverly dummied a cross from Kieran Dovey.

9 minutes later and a great shot by Jack Marston could’ve put Colts 2 up VAR may well have given the goal as over the line, but it wasn’t to be and after a goal mouth scramble the score stayed at 1-0.

Sami Watkins eventually made it 2-0 after Kieran Dovey crossed for John Brick to dummy and Sami found the back of the net. Colts could well have gone in at half time with the game dead and buried with chances going begging.

Half time 2-0

Orleton came out second half and put up a decent fight but the Ludlow defence was solid and they never looked like conceding a goal. Ludlow’s third goal came after 75 minutes when some great link up play between Jack Marston and Jack Gittoes ended with Gittoes netting.

Jack Marston wrapped up the scoring before Orleton’s keeper was sent off.

HIGH-fliers Ludlow Colts are the unbeaten champions of the Herefordshire League Division One after hitting back to secure a 4-1 victory at closest challengers Shobdon.

The Colts have ruled the roost for much of the season and duly wrapped up the title with four games left to play after maintaining their impressive run of form away to their second-placed hosts.

They were made to battle for the title, though, and had to come from behind as Shobdon broke the stalemate two minutes into the second period following a corner.

However, that opening goal, as it has often done in recent weeks, sparked the Ludlow side into life, and they stormed back with four goals to run out emphatic winners.

Simon Bradley missed a golden chance to level after good work by Jack Marston who himself had a free-kick tipped over the bar following a foul on Kieran Dovey on the edge of the box.

But the Colts were back on terms on 54 minutes through Dan Griffiths after which they went from strength to strength with some terrific football.

Just two minutes after levelling, Jack Gittoes put the Reds in front and Bradley soon extended the lead when latching on to Martin Edwards’ exquisite chip over the Shobdon defence.

Further chances fell to Bradley and Gittoes as the Ludlow side took charge before Gittoes sealed the win in style when flicking the ball up over the centre-half and volleying home a fantastic fourth goal.

After celebrating their title triumph there will be no let up for the newly installed champions who will want to maintain their unbeaten run when they visit local rivals Orleton on Tuesday.

It has been a superb season for the region’s sides in the Herefordshire League with Clee Hill United being crowned Premier Division champions a few days before.

And Wayne Whitbread’s men continue to sweep all before them after enjoying a 8-1 romp over lowly Tenbury United in their latest action.

Craig Breakwell netted five times, top scorer Josh Carpenter weighed in with a brace and Stevie Preece got the other.

Clee, who have won their last 14 outings, will be looking to maintain their fine run at home to Kingstone Rovers on Saturday before finishing their successful campaign against basement side Kington Town the week after.