A WEAKENED line-up left Ludlow exposed during a 5-2 home defeat to lowly Leamington in the West Midlands Premier.

The hosts struggled during the first half and were unable to gain much ground in attacking areas. Graham Hutchinson did well to convert a corner but Leamington were worthy of their 2-1 lead at half-time.

Ludlow steadily improved after the interval but so did the visitors and Brenden Platt’s flick past the keeper was in vain as Leamington scored three times to secure a comfortable success.

There were better fortunes for Ludlow Fathom who saw off their Bloxwich counterparts 4-2.

Ludlow were dominant in the first half but had only Josh Rowson’s goal to show for their efforts.

However, with Oscar Austin, Patrick McBride and Evie Davis performing admirably, it was only a matter of time before the pressure told and Davis, Sean Sandell and Jake Watts were the scorers in a warranted win.

Youth results

Under-14 six-a-side: Ludlow 1 (Charlie Webb) William Brookes 1, Ludlow 2 (Luke Matthews, Sam Rawlinson) Bridgnorth 7, Ludlow 3 (Sam Rawlinson 2, Charlie Webb) Shrewsbury 4.