JAMES Pratt’s four-goal haul helped Ludlow to maintain their cushion at the bottom of the West Midlands Premier with a 4-2 win over Kings Heath.

Ludlow piled on the pressure and created several openings during the early exchanges before eventually making the breakthrough with a little over 10 minutes played.

The visitors took 15 minutes to register their first serious attack but Ludlow held firm and with a settled rhythm to their passing, Pratt scored the second shortly before half-time.

The home side continued to probe after the restart but were caught with a sucker punch eight minutes into the second half and that prompted a nervous spell.

But having weathered the storm, Pratt completed a quick-fire double to take the game away from Kings Heath, who netted a late consolation.

Ludlow Fathom were unable to follow suit, losing 5-2 to Newport A at Lilleshall.

Despite dominating territory for most of the match, Ben Crump’s double was all the hosts had to show for a disappointing day in which their rivals took advantage of Ludlow having no recognised goalkeeper in their ranks.

The experienced Newport side ultimately scored from every chance afforded to them.

Tenbury’s ladies were left without a match with the first-team’s home match against Harborne called off due to a frozen pitch and the seconds seeing their clash against Bournville postponed because their opponents could not raise a side.