LUDLOW kept a lid on any frustrations to emerge with a 3-1 victory from Saturday’s Shropshire derby against Market Drayton.

The hosts made a perfect start as James Pratt broke into the left side of the box with Andrew Richards on hand to steer past Drayton’s keeper inside two minutes.

Parity was restored in 10th minute when a visiting attacker was left free to convert and although Ludlow remained in control, they struggled to catch a break.

One goal-bound shot was kicked off the line by a Drayton defender and two further goals were disallowed before the interval.

A swift pace was maintained after the break and Sam Pratt became the next player to place his head in his hands when a fierce shot cannoned back off the post.

Ludlow’s persistence paid off with a quarter of an hour to play when Stuart Richards dived in to guide inside the far post, sparking a cheer of relief rather than celebration.

The hosts were more composed from that point and sealed the spoils when Andrew Richards netted his second with 10 minutes remaining.

Tom Aston was the hero as the Ludlow Fathom overcame Stafford 1-0, while the ladies suffered a 4-3 defeat to Knighton on Sunday in spite of goals from Jodie Beddow (2) and Ashleigh Gloster.

Ludlow’s under-12 indoor side lost 3-1 to Shrewsbury, drew 3-3 with Whitchurch and beat William Brookes A 3-1 in their latest round of fixtures.