CHURCH Stretton are expecting a tight derby against Ludlow this weekend, insists joint-manager Scott Peever – despite the sides’ differing starts to the West Midlands Division Two season.

Stretton are flying high, unbeaten after five games – winning four and drawing one – and continued their fine start by grinding out a 2-1 win at Tipton Town Reserves last Saturday.

Ludlow, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to the campaign, winning two and losing three – although one of their defeats could be scrubbed off due to league concerns about Oldbury’s pitch.

Stretton co-boss Peever said: “We are looking forward to the derby – you don’t have to say much to the lads to get them up for these games.

“There’s never much in it between us. We have had similar sides over the last three or four seasons and it will be a good game.”

Stretton led at Tipton through Matty Jones, who finished off after a nice James Hill run and pull-back on 20 minutes but they wasted a chance to double the lead when Dean Richards’ penalty was saved.

Tipton levelled before the break through a spot-kick of their own but Hill scored in the second half to give Stretton victory against a side who belied their position at the foot of the table.

Peever added: “It was a good win in the end. We had to work hard and it was a good game to make us realise no team is going to roll over for us.”

Ludlow, meanwhile, warmed up for the derby clash with an unlucky 1-0 defeat at home to table-topping Hawkins Sports.

Boss Christian Leech said: “We were definitely hard done by. We were the best team from start to finish but their keeper had a stormer and one mistake cost us.

“They couldn’t have complained if we had won 3-0 but if you don’t take your chances, you get found out.”