AFC LUDLOW manager Dave Cooper was left outraged by his sides Jekyll and Hyde style performance as they threw away a 3-0 lead against Bartestree.

Cooper’s side scored three times in the opening 20 minutes in the West Midlands (Regional) League Division 1 clash, but amazingly could not hold on to the lead.

Ludlow opened the scoring through Jamie Smith before Marion Jusko scored twice.

But Bartestree hit back with two goals scored from set-pieces in a mouth-watering first half.

“We were in total control, we were playing some good passing football,” said Cooper.

“I read the riot act at half time.

“You just don’t throw away a three-goal lead at any level in football, especially not in the manner we did.”

Any hopes of extending their slender lead in the second half were extinguished when Bartestree completed their comeback, grabbing the equaliser from another set piece.

“We couldn’t defend to save our lives,” raged Cooper.

“We’re a young side, but we’ve got to be better than that.”

Cooper was left dumbfounded by his side’s capitulation.

“I just don’t know what happened,” he said.

“We were in total control one minute, the next we looked a totally different side.

“I’m not sure how to describe it.

“It was awful, pathetic, terrible.”

Cooper's side must now regroup in time for this weekend when they entertain in-form St Martins who have won five of their last six matches.

“I’ll be looking for a vastly improved performance,” warned Cooper.

“We’re not going to challenge for top spot anymore, but we still want to be finishing as high as possible in the league.”

Cooper will be without Aaron Dovey and Jake Pryce who both suffered injuries during last Saturday’s draw.