LUDLOW'S final away game of the season was one to forget after slipping to a 6-3 defeat to Market Drayton.

The south Shropshire side dominated the opening 15 minutes of the Warwick Printing West Midlands Premier Hockey League match which saw the home side start the game a man short.

But despite the strong opening, Ludlow only had a fine Samuel Pratt strike to show for their efforts.

The arrival of Drayton's 11th player changed the balance of the game and by half-time the home side had turned the game around with two goals.

Joe Haywood scored two excellent second half goals for Ludlow but they were always chasing the game.

The visitors felt aggrieved late on that Market Drayton should have been punished for what they believed was gamesmanship.

This Saturday sees Ludlow's final game of the season when they take on Stafford at Much Wenlock.

Meanwhile, Ludlow 2nd were also on the receiving end of a heavy defeat as they went down 10 - 3 at Barlaston 2nd in a friendly.

Ludlow's preparations were not helped by a lack of players with some 3rd team members stepping in to help out.

The first half was one to forget for Ludlow who found themselves 7-0 down at the break.

At 9-0 down, early in the second half, Ludlow swapped players around with Tom Aston, Jake Watts and Gavin Hughes coming in and helping Ludlow get on the scoresheet.