A LATE goal condemned AFC Ludlow to a harsh 1-0 defeat at Wrens Nest in Division One of the West Midlands (Regional) League.

Their defence was breached 10 minutes from time in a tight contest of few openings but player-manager Dave Cooper admitted: “We deserved at least a draw.

“We have had a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde season and this game summed that up. We didn’t take our chances and then we conceded a sloppy goal.”

Ludlow, who had Jamie Edwards, Gavin Podmore, George Sankey and Liam Taylor all returning to the line-up, began well and Keanu Cooper had a slick half-volley blocked.

They also had a decent penalty shout turned aside when the impressive Kieran Dovey went down in the box, though the home side also had their moments, and AFC keeper Ian Havard had to pull off a spectacular fingertip save from a long-range blockbuster just before the break.

Some stout defensive work from a rearguard superbly marshalled by skipper Jack Beaumont, and with Podmore doing some terrific work, kept Wrens Nest at bay early in the second half, though Dovey remained a constant menace in attack.

But with less than 10 minutes left, Ludlow conceded possession and were hit on the break as the home side broke the deadlock.

Ludlow’s last chance saw Edwards, who had earlier produced a brilliant headed clearance off the line, deposit a free-kick high and wide.

Cooper’s young side entertain Penncroft this Saturday (3pm) in their final West Midlands (Regional) League home game of the season.

Then on Tuesday night they face Shenstone in the quarter-finals of the Division One Cup at the Showtime Security Stadium (7.45pm).

Shenstone beat Wrens Nest 2-0 in a second round tie on Tuesday night.

Cooper said: “We are really up for the cup game and I didn't really mind who we met.”

If they win through to the semi-finals, Ludlow would play either Wem Town or Stone Old Alleynians in the last four for a place in the Villa Park final.

Villa Park is hosting it to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the West Midlands League.