A FIRST half double from Gavin Hughes was not enough to stop Ludlow from suffering a narrow 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Berkswell & Balsall Common in the West Midlands Premier Division.

It had looked as though the honours would be shared only for the visitors to score their winner in the final few minutes.

Berkswell opened the scoring from a 10th minute penalty corner but it was all square 10 minutes later when another penalty corner saw Hughes level.

The visitors regained the lead with a good goal but Hughes again levelled from a penalty corner just moments before half-time.

Ludlow were the stronger side after the break but clear chances were rare and it was the Warwickshire side who snatched the late winner.

Man of the match was Sam Pratt.

Ludlow are back in action this Saturday when they head to third-placed Bromsgrove.