ADAM Hayward struck a hat-trick to help Ludlow to battling 3-2 victory over West Midlands Premier Division visitors Redditch.

But they had to do it the hard way, coming from behind after the visitors had taken a 15th minute lead.

Ludlow had earlier hit the crossbar through Sam Pratt but were back on level terms following a swift counter attack that resulted in Hayward forcing the ball home after his initial effort had been blocked by the keeper.

As half-time approached, the hosts again broke and this time Hayward was able to place his effort beyond the spreading Redditch keeper.

The home side were forced to defend early in the second period but midway through the half the, ball was worked to Hayward to turned it over the line at the far post.

Redditch scored a scrappy goal with five minutes remaining and Ludlow were then forced to block a number of efforts as the visitors looked for an equaliser.

Meanwhile, a full-strength Ludlow Ladies side edged a 1-0 win at home to Montgomery, the only goal of the game coming from a short corner which was injected to the top of the D and player of of match Julie Chamberlain who struck the ball into the bottom right hand corner.