FIVE-star Ludlow took a sizeable step towards safety with a comprehensive victory at relegation rivals Wednesbury.

A first-half double from James Pratt was followed by strikes from Andrew Richards, Martin Beaumont and a penalty from Graham Hutchinson in a 5-1 triumph. The hosts grabbed a late consolation from a penalty corner.

After 20 minutes of persistent Ludlow pressure, Pratt finally broke the deadlock from a penalty corner after several shots had been repelled by the home keeper.

Wednesbury later built a rare attack but paid the price as a swift break saw Pratt slam home a sublime second and the contest was killed by Richards 10 minutes into the second half.

Beaumont was in the right place to convert a cross at the far post and as Wednesbury challenges became more robust amid their frustration, Hutchinson took advantage when they were penalised.

The men’s Fathom team drew 2-2 at Aldridge & Walsall with Matt Jones and Mark Sandell on the score sheet. Rhys Lewis produced a creditable performance on his debut in goal.

Players from the under-8s, under-9s and under-10s stepped up to represent Ludlow’s under-12 six-a-side team in a triple header at Telford Langley School.

A 4-0 defeat to Bridgnorth was followed by a much-improved performance in the 4-1 success over Telford. Will Arden (2), Jasper Kenchington and Iwan Faulkner got the goals.

Their final outing ended in another 4-0 loss to Shrewsbury.