Jamie Hammonds missing for AFC Ludlow's Mercian League Premier Division trip to Telford Juniors (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Jamie Hammonds missing for AFC Ludlow's Mercian League Premier Division trip to Telford Juniors

8:00am Friday 25th January 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

PLAY-maker Jamie Hammonds will be missing title-chasing AFC Ludlow’s trip to Telford Juniors this Saturday.

Dave Cooper’s side are just two points behind Mercian League Premier Division leaders Church Stretton with five games in hand.

Cooper hopes to be boosted by the return from injury of Rob Vass and Dale Hodge, who has been playing in Wales. Hodge needs international clearance before he can turn out for Ludlow.

“Jamie is working for the next two Saturdays and Danny Gower might also be away for the match against Telford,” said Cooper.

He added: “Gower might be away on a stag party, but we could have Vass and, hopefully, Hodge available.

“Telford Juniors play at the same ground as Dawley and that’s the place where John Haycox suffered his broken ankle a few months ago.”

Ludlow recorded a 2-0 home win against fifth-placed Telford in an incident-packed league clash earlier in the season.

“Jake Pryce was sent-off and they had two players dismissed and also their manager was shown the red card,” recalled Cooper. “They have picked up some good results and it will be hard for us.”

Ludlow will be in knock-out action the following week, travelling to Oakengates Athletic in the opening round of the Premier Division Cup on February 2.

Meanwhile, table-topping Church Stretton also have an important league match this weekend, hosting fourth-placed FC Hodnet.

Andy Green’s Bishop’s Castle Town, who are sixth, resume their Division One programme with a trip to third-from-bottom Hopesgate United this Saturday.

Clee Hill United are in 10th position in the same division and Wayne Whitbread’s men will be hoping to pick up their fifth league win of the season against basement outfit Wrockwardine Wood Juniors. In the Mid Wales League South, in-form Bucknell host Brecon and reigning-champions Newcastle travel to Talgarth Reserves.