AFC Ludlow must throw the kitchen sink at their title-rivals Team Dudley tonight (Wednesday), insists boss Dave Cooper, writes LEWIS DEAKIN.

Cooper’s men travel to Dudley looking to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches in the West Midlands League Division Two.

The boss admits that the destiny of the championship is now completely out of AFC Ludlow’s hands.

He said: “It would be a major achievement to secure back-to-back championships. But the title is out of our hands now. All we can do is win tonight, and see where that leaves us.

“We have to go out and attack, but be patient at the same time. I’m confident we can cause them enough problems to pick up the points. We just need to defend as a unit.

"It will be a tough game, just as it was at the Showtime Stadium, but anything is possible in football.

“Being in the title race is both exciting and tense. We didn’t see it coming at the club. But now being apart of it has given everyone a lift. But with the squad we have got here at AFC Ludlow I knew they were more than capable of challenging for honours.”

AFC Ludlow are without Rob Vass and Nathan Hodge, but former club captain Jamie Marsh will take to the field tonight.

The mood in the camp ahead of the game couldn’t be higher, insists Cooper.

He revealed the club are looking to bounce back after last week’s 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Sporting Community Reserves.

He said: “The mood in the camp is completely positive, and everyone is looking forward to the Dudley game. I want the players to continue to play like they have since the start of the year.

“We had a set back last week against Wolverhampton, but we are playing some decent stuff, and I want to see more of the same.

“I can’t fault the players recent commitment levels I just wish we had that level of commitment throughout the campaign.”

Cooper believes AFC Ludlow don’t need to make any major signings over the summer.

He believes the likes of Kieran Dovey, his son Keanu and Liam Taylor will lead the club for years to come.

The boss said: “My lad Keanu, Kieran and Liam have all put in massive performances in for us this season. They have been outstanding for AFC Ludlow. The reason I gave them their chance in the first-team is because they are all quality players. They have proved that to me out on the pitch.

“I am quite happy with the squad we have got. We are a young outfit and the club can only improve. We just need our commitment levels to be spot on.”