Ludlow Town 0 Dudley Town 1.
DUDLEY scrambled a late goal to pinch the three West Midlands League Premier Division points in a lack-lustre game at the SBS Stadium last Saturday.
The match was a very ordinary affair and, with time running out, it looked as if Ludlow would pick up a useful point from a top-five side. Then the game sprang to life in the final 15 minutes.
Ben Barnfield, the under-18 keeper who was replacing flu-victim Rickie Marsden between the sticks, went down at the feet of a forward to block the ball and diverted it for a corner. The referee saw it differently, however, and awarded Dudley a penalty.
Justice was done when the spot kick was slammed against the bar, but the miss seemed to spark life into the visitors. They won another corner and scrambled the ball home.
Along with Barnfield, Lucas Bladen also made his debut in central defence, replacing the suspended Shaun Parker. Although the team performance never reached any great heights, the pair both played well.
Ludlow did create some chances. From one decent move, Ollie Kesterton headed the ball back across goal but Andy Pugh, with a clear sight of goal, headed straight at the keeper.
Marcus Sherrad had two good shots but failed to break the deadlock in the first half and Dan Tolley shot straight at the keeper from close-range after the break.
Club chairman Mark Evans answered a late call-up for Ludlow Reserves at Broseley and scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute.
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