MANAGER Chris Waldron hailed goalkeeper Kieron Roche for saving a penalty in Ludlow Town Colts' hard-fought 4-2 cup success against Claverley.

Roche made a superb double save from the penalty spot to preserve Ludlow's 2-1 lead in Saturday's Mercian League Division Two Cup clash.

And, seconds after making his crucial saves, Roche's downfield clearance led to Ludlow adding a third goal at the Showtime Stadium.

Aaron Hodge, who had conceded the penalty, wrapped up Ludlow's win with a fourth goal after taking on five players and then running clear to tap home.

The impressive Kieran Dovey scored twice for Ludlow.

Waldron said: "Dovey and Roche were our men of the match.

"Roche got the vote from the lads because his double penalty save changed the game.

"We started a bit nervously before taking control of the game but we didn't take our chances.

"Hopefully, we can continue our cup run and get to the final which will be our aim."

Ryan Bufton hit a post from long range and Ryan Lewis missed when clean through before Claverley took the lead with a stunning free kick.

Ludlow levelled after the interval when Lewis hit a shot in the top corner and took the lead through Dovey's close-range strike.

After Roche's penalty save, Dovey bagged his second goal after collecting the goalkeeper's clearance.

Hodge sealed the win despite the visitors notching a second goal.

Waldron added: "The whole team played well, including Josh Partridge who was unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up and was superb when he came on."

NEWCASTLE suffered a 3-0 defeat at title rivals Llanidloes Town Reserves in the Mid Wales League (South).

It was only Newcastle's second league loss and Craig Morris' spot kick was well saved with the visitors trailing 3-0.

Llanidloes fielded a strong side which included a number of first-team players who normally play in the Huws Gray Alliance league

First-half goals from Gareth Mansell, Ashley Owen and Matthew Savage gave The Daffs the spoils in the division's sole game to survive the wet weather.

Llanidloes' win takes them to top of the table and avenged a 4-0 drubbing at Newcastle earlier in the season.

Newcastle manager John Goodridge said: "We feel slightly aggrieved that Llanidloes can bring in players from their first-team who play three leagues above us but, despite the setback, we are still handily placed and have to pick ourselves up and hope to get back to winning ways." Newcastle host Bronllys this Saturday.