FRUSTRATED boss Luke Hicks remains confident Ludlow have what it takes to compete in the West Midlands Regional League despite a fourth match without victory.

The new club has endured a tough start to life in Division Two and succumbed to a 4-2 home reverse to high-flying Sikh Hunters on Saturday.

Midfielder Kieran Dovey put Ludlow in front with a free-kick from the edge of the box on his return from Shawbury United but the visitors levelled before half-time and then established a three-goal cushion prior to Jack Beaumont’s penalty.

“Their first goal came completely against the run of play and we were on top again in the second half but conceded two breakaway goals,” said Hicks.

“We gave away another sloppy goal before getting the penalty five minutes from time. Even then, we had the chances to equalise and probably should have but it was one of those games.

“Teams have been very organised against us so far but apart from 20 minutes in the first game where we gave up a little bit, we have not been outplayed.

“All of the goals we have conceded have been of our own making, they have come from our mistakes. It is very frustrating at the moment.

“The players are there and I have 100 per cent faith in them to kick on. Things are just not falling for us yet and we’re not making our own luck at times.

“We missed two open goals on Saturday and I have not seen anything like the one in all my years in football. Ryan Lewis had done all the hard work, got past the keeper but took too many touches, trod on the ball and fell over.

“Our confidence is quite low, I don’t know why because we have not been outplayed but with a few too many errors creeping in, you can see it has put a bit of doubt in one or two minds.

“We will get there. We had 19 players to choose from on Saturday so the squad is committed and starting to settle.

“I cannot question the effort and the results will come provided we keep going. With the ball we’re absolutely fine, without it we have been sloppy on occasions and in this league you will get punished because there are good players.

“I am not panicking yet but if it carries on, who knows? I might have to get my boots on again.”

Striker Sean Griffiths, a player from the Shrewsbury area who has plied his trade with St Martins, Rock Rovers and Haughmond in the past has been snapped up alongside Dovey to boost Ludlow’s ranks ahead of Saturday’s trip to unbeaten Wolverhampton United (3pm).

Depleted Church Stretton suffered a third straight defeat at Wolverhampton United on Saturday. Scott Peever halved the deficit but could not prevent a 2-1 defeat at Prestwood Road. Stretton have no fixture this weekend.