LUKE HICKS hopes the derby draw with Church Stretton will spark an upturn in results for Ludlow.

Stretton’s Aaron Gough netted a late equaliser straight from a corner last Friday night to share the South Shropshire spoils at the Ludlow Stadium.

An own goal from Tom Carter had put Ludlow ahead early on and Hicks thought his side should have won the game after creating some good opportunities.

“It was the same old story for us of not putting our chances away and it coming back to bite us,” said Hicks, who is hoping his side return to winning ways tomorrow night at home to AFC Bridgnorth Development.

“They scored directly from a corner after the wind caught it so things aren’t really going our way at the moment.

“There were plenty of positives to take though. I can’t fault the effort from the lads one bit and we were really good in the first half.

“We’ve been shipping way too many goals recently but defended really well.

"We’ve signed Danny Gower who is experienced and will hopefully come in and get the goals we need.

“We know that in this league a couple of wins can really push you up the table and that’s what we’ve got to aim for now.”

A healthy crowd of 174 watched the derby under the lights at the Ludlow Stadium and further Friday night games may follow.

“It was a brilliant crowd and it’s made the club quite a bit of money which is always welcome,” Hicks said.

“Hopefully we can get some more Friday night games sorted.

"I’d like to get the Bewdley Town Reserves and AFC Broseley games on a Friday night.

“The Welsh leagues always have Friday night fixtures and it works well for them so it’s something we’ll be looking at.”

Following Wednesday night’s game, Ludlow travel to FC Darlaston on Saturday in the West Midlands (Regional) League Division Two.

Church Stretton, still above Ludlow on goal difference, welcome Market Drayton Town Reserves to Russells Meadow hoping to extend their unbeaten run to three games.