AFC Ludlow manager Dave Cooper shell-shocked after 9-0 defeat against Conference outfit Hereford United (From Ludlow Advertiser)

AFC Ludlow manager Dave Cooper shell-shocked after 9-0 defeat against Conference outfit Hereford United

9:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

AFC Ludlow manager Dave Cooper admitted he was shell-shocked after Tuesday night’s 9-0 home drubbing by Conference outfit Hereford United.

Ludlow trailed 5-0 after just 25 minutes and Cooper hopes his wounded team can draw strength from the friendly defeat at the SBS Stadium.

“Hereford were a lot better than us and the gulf in standard was large,” said Cooper, whose side travel to Shifnal 97 in the Mercian League Premier Division this Saturday.

“It’s the first time a lot of the boys have played against a team like Hereford and it’s the first time they have suffered a hammering like that.”

Hereford’s Marlon Jackson hit four goals in the match which raised money for injured Ludlow players Ryan Lockley and John Haycox.

The pair suffered long-term injuries last year.

“We counted £320 from the gate, which is a good sum,” said Cooper.

“I wished we could have put up more of a fight on the field.”

Cooper has ruled out a move for in-form Leominster Town forward Sam Pearson, who played for Ludlow in last week’s 4-2 friendly win over Bartestree.

Dickie Everall (2), Dale Hodge and Alan Williams hit the target against Bartestree.

But Cooper now hopes to sign former Ledbury Town midfielder Jack Price who impressed against Hereford.

“Jack Price did very well – he’s a central-midfielder and I am keen to get him on board,” said Cooper.

Ludlow’s Premier Division Cup match at Oakengates Athletic was postponed last weekend because of a waterlogged pitch.

Cooper said Dale Hodge’s international clearance had now gone through, while Rob Vass and Jamie Hammonds will be available for the Shifnal match.

“Nathan Hodge phoned me and said he is available to play for Ludlow this Saturday,” added Cooper, who watched Woofferton’s match at Shobdon last weekend.

“We played Shifnal a few weeks ago and we know it’s going to be a tough game.

“It depends what team they put out. When we played them earlier in the season, I recognised six of their players who used to play for another club.”