ORLETON Colts boss Kristian Morgan admitted Ludlow’s West Midlands League renaissance could have an impact on his side’s Herefordshire League title hopes next season.

Morgan presided over a 1-0 win over Leominster Town on Saturday, Orleton’s eighth straight Premier Division victory, to fuel belief that they could push for the crown next term.

But the manager fears the lure of higher status could prove too tempting should Ludlow FC, who this week confirmed they had been accepted into the West Midlands set up, come calling in the summer.

“With Ludlow starting up again, I have a funny feeling they might approach one or two,” he said.

“I’m hoping all the lads stay and show a bit of loyalty but I’m not banking on it, I think we might lose a couple.

Jabez Smith netted in the first half to keep Colts flying high, their form being a complete contrast to the early-season troubles which saw them embroiled in a battle at the bottom.

“We defended really well,” added Morgan. “It was scrappy, very windy and not a lot of football was played.

“Overall, we probably edged the first half but Leominster threw everything at us in the second, they played well to be fair to them. Maybe they deserved a draw but we were happy to win.”

Tenbury United kept alive their slim title hopes as Michael Foster and Ryan Morris fired them to a 2-0 win at Wellington reserves.

In Division One, Orleton’s reserves were on the receiving end once more in an 8-0 defeat at Woofferton. Simon Bradley, Bryn Martin, Andrew Pugh (3), Luke Pugh and James Robertson scored with an own goal added to the final tally.

Church Stretton’s pursuit of the Mercian League crown took a knock in a 1-1 draw at Madeley Sports.

Richard Groom got the goal but Childs Ercall won to take top spot while Oakengates Athletic piled on the pressure with a 6-3 home victory over Clee Hill United. Craig Breakwell (2) and Oliver Smith netted for the visitors.

In Division One, Brown Clee suffered a surprise 3-1 home defeat to second-bottom Denso, a team that has conceded a whopping 191 goals in 24 league games to date. James Byatt scored for the hosts.