Ludlow HC returned to league action on Saturday – and it was a winning return as they came from behind to beat Solihull Blossomfield 2-1 in the Warwick Printing West Midlands Premier Division.

The home side had the better of the opening exchanges, squandering a number of good opportunities to break the deadlock before a hopeful ball into the 'D' found Richard Weaver who turned it in from just a metre out.

Ludlow never lost the faith though and slowly came more into the game. They dominated for long periods as the half wore on and were rewarded five minutes before the interval when the faintest of touches saw the ball deflected into the Solihull goal by Gavin Hughes.

The second half saw Ludlow take a much firmer grasp on the game and further pressure resulted in a series of attacks. Not that it was one-way traffic and the visiting defence did well to deny their counter-attacking hosts.

It looked as though the honours would be shared until, three minutes from the end, Ludlow centre forward James Pratt found himself unchallenged in the Solihull area and calmly slotted the ball home. The same player had struck a hat-trick against Solihull in the opening hame of the season.

Ludlow then saw the game out to pick up their first league win and points of 2016.

The Men’s 2nd side had their match with Ashby de la Zouch postponed.

The 1sts are back in league action this Saturday when they welcome basement club Wolverhampton to Much Wenlock (12.30pm). Ludlow won 1-0 at the Black Country side back in October and with Wolves winning just once this season, confidence will be high.

The 2nds travel to West Bromwich and the 3rds are also on the road with a trip to Stafford. Ludlow Ladies resume their Shropshire League campaign at home to Wem/Market Drayton 1sts (2pm).