DESPITE the final score giving a totally false reflection of the game, the nett result is the Town's run in the FA Cup came to an abrupt halt at the first hurdle in Derbyshire.

After looking the better side, but finding the home keeper in supreme form, they went behind to a controversial goal in the latter stages of the first half.

Ludlow continued to enjoy most of the play against opponents who won the Northern Counties East Division last term, but as they threw caution to the wind during the closing stages were caught on the break twice.

Ludlow put their indifferent league form behind them to force the early pace. Darren Leonard, Gareth Horler and Matt Webb each set the tone for the day as they saw goal-worthy efforts superbly saved by the home keeper, Mark Wilson.

Just as the visitors thought a goal must come, it did, but in the wrong end and under controversial circumstances.

When a long shot was partially cleared it was stabbed back towards goal but not over the line, and given as a goal by the assistant referee, much to the amazement of both sets of players.

Town fought back but the home team managed to clear as Wilson eventually grabbed a ball bobbling about on the line following a Darryl Smith corner. It was more of the same after the break with Wilson continuing where he left off in the first to thwart the Ludlow attacks.

With the referee ignoring passionate appeals for a penalty, Ludlow suspected it was not going to be their day. These suspicions were confirmed when Hay and Hudson caught them on the break to secure the win.