A FOUR-goal salvo from Joe Haywood led Ludlow Hockey Club’s 2nd team to a thumping 7-0 home victory over Kidderminster 2nd in their final warm-up match.

The victory should give Ludlow’s team confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to Evesham 2nd in West Midlands League Division Two.

Ludlow led 3-0 at the interval after a brace from Haywood and a goal from Andy Davenport-Smith.

Haywood added another double after the interval, while Malachi Davenport-Smith and Tom Crump also found the net against Kidderminster, who borrowed Tim Machin.

Ludlow spokesman Martin Watts said: “The first-half performance was a cracking display of control and possession with outstanding midfield play from Matt Brundrett, Jake Watts, Graeme Wilcox and Jack Phasey dominating the game and providing countless opportunities for the lively forwards while Aaron Wilcox marshalled the defensive cover.

“The second period saw our midfield dominance continue but individual play elsewhere led to less satisfying team play and, although we added a further four goals, our side was not as cohesive overall. “

Stand-in captain Hector Robertson’s Ludlow 3rd side slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Aldridge and Walsall 3rd.

Mark Sandell, making his debut in adult hockey, and Charlie Lyth netted for Ludlow in a narrow defeat.

Goalkeeper Luke Oatham made a number of excellent saves in goal, at the beginning of the game and Lyth was a constant menace on the left wing and he deservedly opened the scoring.

Aldridge scored twice to take the lead but Sandell levelled the scores, only for a defensive mistake to hand Aldridge the victory.