LUDLOW are still looking for their elusive first Midland Alliance win at their new Coors headquarters after battling to come back from behind against unbeaten visitors Rocester but failing to get the run of the ball and convert chances, writes Glyn Wictome.

Slack marking after only four minutes saw Town gift their visitors a goal, a free kick into the box finding Craig Holland unmarked in the six yard box and leaving him with a free header which he duly dispatched.

To their credit Ludlow lifted their game and almost got on terms when a fine ball into the box from David Andrewartha was met by a crisp header from Darren Leonard which whistled inches wide. Darryl Smith and Leonard then combined to put Robert Vass through only for his shot to graze the upright.

Ludlow were rocked when they conceded a second soft goal from another set-piece, Paul Ridley's deep cross being missed by the defenders and goalkeeper to drop inside the far post.

With Ludlow pushing up Rocester almost went three up when their striker broke quickly only to be foiled by a great save from Poole.

Town's appeal for a penalty when Smith was bundled off the ball just after the break was turned down, and minutes later Leonard was cynically stopped just outside the box after being played in by Danny Adams. Ludlow's persistence was rewarded when a great ball from Adam Marsh found Smith whose crisp finish found the net.

Town finished strongly but a combination of gritty defending and a failure with the final touch saw Ludlow crash todefeat. l More pictures, page 55.