AFC Ludlow gave their promotion hopes a boost with a solid 3-0 win at FC Stafford in Division One of the West Midlands League.

Aaron Dovey struck twice in four first-half minutes and although the home side looked for a way back into the game, Ludlow wrapped up the points late on when the Stafford keeper misread a long clearance and Kieron Dovey calmly tucked away the third.

The win leaves Dave Cooper’s side two points ahead of third-placed Hereford Lads Club but having played an extra game. They are without a league game this weekend.

Clee Hill United were edged out by Gobowen United in a nine-goal thriller in the Sportsjam League Division One Spring Cup.

Goals from Stevie Preece, Craig Breakwell and a Liam Whitbread penalty had steered the home side into a 3-0 interval lead only for their visitors to draw level inside 15 minutes of the second half.

A second goal from Breakwell restored Clee’s lead but Gobowen finished the stronger to win 5-4.

Wayne Whitbread’s side can still book their place in the final of the round-robin competition if they avoid defeat at home to Bishops Castle Town on Saturday.

Brown Clee’s interest in the cup is over following their 4-1 defeat at Oakengates Rangers and they return to league action this weekend when they welcome AFC Wellington to Hall Meadow.

In the Premier Division, Church Stretton proved too strong for Childs Ercall, running out 4-0 winners with Sean Gough netting two of the goals.

Third-placed Stretton are at home again on Saturday when FC Hodnet are the visitors.

In the Premier Division of the Herefordshire League, a goal from James Byatt wasn't enough to stop Orleton Colts from slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Westfields Reserves.

The Colts are now out of action until the end of the month but Tenbury United are in action this weekend when they head to Pegasus Reserves.

Saturday also sees Tenbury Town take on Bromyard in Division One while Orleton Colts Reserves travel to Wellington Colts.

There was cup disappointment for Mid Wales South League side Newcastle who lost 3-2 to Llanidloes Town Reserves in the semi-final of the Pip Samuel League Cup.

Craig Morris and Carl Price twice hauled the home side level but a mistake by keeper Gary Davies late on saw the visitors grab a late winner.

This Saturday Newcastle are at home to Talgarth Town Reserves in the league before travelling to Knighton Town Reserves on Tuesday evening.

And Norbury secured a place in the final of the A Rogers Management Cup with a dramatic 4-3 extra time victory at Pontesbury, John Hudson netting the winner.