BOSS Dave Cooper believes AFC Ludlow have what it takes to put together a promotion bid in Division One of the West Midlands (Regional) League next season.

Ludlow hope to wrap up a successful campaign with some silverware when they travel to Wolverhampton Casuals on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.45pm) for the final of the Division One Cup against Team Dudley.

And Cooper believes that next season - which will only be their second at this level - pot-hunting Ludlow will follow this year’s cup adventure by pushing hard for a place in the Premier Division.

Cooper, who guided Ludlow to back-to-back promotions before this season, said: “We have finished sixth in the table and I think the players can hold their heads up high.

"It has been a tough division but we have a young group of players who can only get better.

“We weren’t consistent enough over the whole campaign, but we showed we can match the best by taking six points off Bromyard Town, who were the champions.

"It was our failure to kill off teams, and drawing too many games from winning positions that cost us a higher finish.

“I know where we have come up short and what we need to do to rectify it next season.

"We will challenge at the top next season. I am confident we will definitely challenge.”

The fact that next week’s final was originally listed as being at Villa Park was a big motivation for Cooper and his team, but the Ludlow boss says the late switch won’t affect their desire.

Cooper said: “When they said the final was at Villa Park, you could see the lads really wanted it.

"It’s a bit of a blow that it’s been changed but it's a cup final so I would play it on a parks pitch if we had to. I am sure the rest of the lads feel the same. We are going there to win it.”

Ludlow lost 1-0 at home to Team Dudley in the league, but won 2-1 in the away fixture

Cooper added: “Like us Dudley try and get the ball down and play so it promises be a good game.

"They were also promoted with us last season so it is quite an achievement for two promoted teams to reach the cup final.”

Ludlow, who beat Clee Hill United 6-2 last Thursday in a friendly - goals from Keanu Cooper (2), Jason Mynett, Luke Hicks, Jack Beaumont (penalty) and an own goal - will be missing the injured Jake Pryce on Tuesday night and Jamie Edwards is rated as only 50/50 to be fit.

The Wolverhampton Casuals ground is Brinsford Stadium at Coven Heath, north of Wolverhampton on the A449.