Newcastle manager John Goodridge aims for top-five place in Mid Wales League South (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Newcastle manager John Goodridge aims for top-five place in Mid Wales League South

4:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

NEWCASTLE boss John Goodridge hasn’t written off his side’s title hopes - but admits it will be a tall order to retain the crown.

Goodridge is pleased with his side’s all-round efforts after losing six players from last season’s Mid Wales League South championship- winning side.

He has set Newcastle a target of finishing inside the top-five.

“We are currently fourth in the table which is a good effort considering we have lost six players from last season,” said Goodridge.

Goalkeeper Dave Exall has moved to Builth Wells, while Mark and Adie Jones have joined Knighton Town.

Edgar Whatley has left the area and Matt Malley is now a student at Bangor University.

“Because we’re a Shropshire club, we are not allowed to get any higher in the Welsh system,” said Goodridge.

“The players who have left wanted to better themselves and they can’t be blamed for that.”

Newcastle host secondplaced Builth Wells Reserves this Saturday and Goodridge hopes Carl Price can maintain his fine form.

“Mark and Adie Jones scored 40 goals between them for us last season and they’ve left the club.

“But Carl has been a handful for everyone we’ve come up against this season.”

He added: “We are not out of contention for the league title but it will be hard to retain it. It could all change five or six games down the line but we’re looking for a top-four or top-five place.”