STRIKER Danny Gower scored one and set-up the other as Ludlow ran out 2-0 winners at home to AFC Bilbrook.

And manager Luke Hicks admits the addition of the free-scoring frontman has been a massive boost and could help the team secure at top six finish in Division Two of the West Midlands (Regional) League.

Gower opened the scoring from close range before the break after good work from Jack Beaumont had seen him put in a perfect cross from the right.

And then with 20 minutes remaining it was Gower’s pass that set-up the in-form James Byatt for his fifth goal in five games.

“Having Danny has made a massive difference to us,” Hicks admitted.

“His experience means he can hold the ball up and he brings others into the game.

"He can also score goals at this level.

“At the start of the season I said we had a side good enough to finish in the top six and we are still hopeful of doing that.

"We have played most of the top sides so we just need to stay focussed.”

Ludlow head to Oldbury United this Saturday but are likely to be without Aaron Dovey who suffered a nasty head injury in the Bilbrook win.

Elsewhere in the division, Church Stretton lost 2-0 at league leaders Sikh Hunters.

Both goals came in the opening half and the visitors needed keeper Joe Bartt to pull off a number of good saves to keep them in contention.

Stretton are without a game this weekend.