LUDLOW Men's Hockey Club coach Martin Watts had to play in goal against Old Halesonians after regular stopper Dave Hughes pulled out through injury.
Watts has been retired for 20 years, but was drafted in for Ludlow's last pre-season friendly.
Jake Watts and Graeme Wilcox were also called up late, meaning that Ludlow were also up against it against a strong Old Halesonians side.
The away side opened the scoring following several thwarted shots before adding a second eight minutes before half-time.
But to Ludlow's credit, they grew stronger in the second half and moved the ball well.
But they were unable to convert their chances and lost 2-0.
Ludlow 2nd went down 5-1 to QWorcester 6th, with Tom Aston smashing in their solitary goal.
The team featured both second and third-choice players and the younger Ludlow players impressed against a strong Worcester side.
Ludlow under-13 girls beat Hereford 3-1 in a seven-a-side friendly at Leominster, while Tenbury Ladies lost 2-1 to Barford Tigers in Worcestershire League Division One.
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