THINGS can only get better for Ludlow after a luckless opening day ended with an 8-1 thrashing at Warstone Wanderers.

Already without both goalkeepers for the West Midlands Regional League debut, Ludlow boss Luke Hicks was prevented from filling in between the sticks after cracking two ribs in his side’s final friendly against Builth Wells three days before.

En route, Gavin Podmore pulled out due to last-ditch work commitments, while striker Tom Everall had to be substituted within five minutes with a back injury that will sideline him for “a few weeks”.

Ludlow shipped a couple of early goals but fought back thanks to a fine solo effort by Jamie Hammonds and then twice hit the woodwork through Jack Marston and Sam Watkins.

However, an incident which saw Hammonds end up with a cut face went unnoticed and Warstone bagged a crucial fourth on the break before shifting into cruise control.

“It could not have been worse,” said Hicks. “The whole day was a massive reality check and it ended up being quite a weird game.

“They started quickly with a good tempo and scored a couple of good goals but we got a foothold in the game and scored when Jamie went past a few players before putting the keeper on the floor.

“We looked good from there and could have scored four or five. It was 3-1 at half-time but we were still in the game until that disgraceful refereeing decision.

“Jamie got smashed in the face with a forearm but the referee did not stop the game and they went through and got the fourth.

“I completely knocked the wind out of us and I got sent from the dugout for having a go at the ref. I should have kept my mouth shut but I just could not help it, it was so frustrating.

“We gave up a bit in the last 20 minutes and they scored a few, which was unacceptable. There were a few choice words after the game and we need to put it right quickly.”

Ludlow’s bid to bounce back in their opening home match against Market Drayton Town reserves on Saturday (3pm) will be boosted by the signings of ex-AFC Ludlow captain Jamie Marsh and centre-half Ryan McDonagh. Striker Dan Crowther also returns.

Elsewhere, Sean Gough’s hat-trick ensured Church Stretton began life in Division Two with a 3-1 win at Oldbury United.

Stretton struck early but the hosts got on top and had a goal ruled out for offside before levelling matters at Bluebell Road.

Gough then bagged his second swiftly after the restart and then completed his treble from the penalty spot to wrap up a precious three points.