KIERAN DOVEY has urged his team-mates to keep their eyes fixed on the prize tonight when they travel to Team Dudley, writes LEWIS DEAKIN.

The West Midlands League Division Two championship race is now out of AFC Ludlow’s hands.

But he insists the club most focus on themselves against Dudley and hope other results go their way.

Dovey said: “It would be fantastic if we can win the league, as before Christmas we weren’t even contenders. But a win would inch us closer too becoming champions.

“We just have to make sure we win the game tonight against Dudley. Everyone will be disappointed if we lose tonight, so we just need to focusing on ourselves and not think about Wrens Nest.”

He added: “I’m expecting Dudley to come out strong, because they owe us after we beat them 2-1 back in January. If we do the double over them tonight that will be my highlight of the whole season.”

The talented youngster insists he has grown throughout the course of the season.

Dovey insists he wants to stay with the club and fire them into the West Midlands Premier League.

He said: “I have enjoyed this season a lot, because the manager has given me the chance. A lot of boss’s wouldn’t do that. We have a great group of lads, who all know each other.

“I feel I’ve grown a lot this season. I’m fitter than I was last season playing under-18s football. Men’s football has made me work harder, and going to the gym has improved my strength out on the field.

"But I do think I need to work on my fitness a bit more, so I will keep going to the gym. If you ask the manager he’d probably say I need to work on my finishing. It’s nice to hear people praise me, but I still have to improve and get better as a player. I just want to continue working hard for the team.

“I intend to stay with the club, because I believe we can go on to bigger and better things, especially with the players we have got. I would love AFC Ludlow to get into the Premier League.

"I’ve played in that league, before and I can’t see why this club won’t get there. We have a squad, who can beat anyone on their day.”

The youngster thanked the fans and coaches for cheering him and his team-mates on this season.

He said: “The fans have turned out in force for some games, which have been fantastic to play in. I’d just like to say thank you to them for their support. Also I’d like to thank the coaches for starting me week-in and week-out.”