LUDLOW manager Luke Hicks admits he is delighted with the way his young side has started pre-season as they build for their first season in Division Two of the West Midlands League.

The Ludlow Stadium side opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Rock Rovers and followed that up with a 3-1 win at home to Presteigne on Saturday.

“I’m really happy with the way things are going,” the Ludlow boss said. “The fitness levels are really good and that has been to our advantage in the two matches we’ve played.

“I had 21 players for the first game with Rock including some of the Colts lads and a couple of 16-year-olds who impressed me. A few of the lads were missing on Saturday so we had a core of 16.”

Danny Crowther was on target against Presteigne but it was skipper Jack Beaumont who led the way with a rare double – a penalty and another from 35 yards.

Ludlow were due to play Llandrindod Wells yesterday [Wed] and head to Gloucestershire side Lydbrook Athletic on Saturday.