LUDLOW boss Luke Hicks believes his side have not had the success their efforts have deserved this season – and is targeting a top-five finish next term.

Hicks’ men had an up-and-down week, beating AFC Broseley 3-1 last Thursday but then losing 5-1 at leaders Sikh Hunters on Saturday, a result that clinched the West Midlands Two title for the latter.

Kieran Dovey, Danny Crowther and Thomas Everall scored against Broseley, while James Byatt gave Ludlow the lead at table-topping Hunters.

However, a 30-yard screamer brought Hunters level and they went 3-1 up before Byatt missed an open goal and the hosts scored two more late on.

Ludlow end the season with three away games, starting at third-placed Gornal Colts on Saturday, and can finish no higher than seventh.

Hicks said: “It’s been a frustrating season because we are good enough to finish in the top five and that’s what we will be looking for next season.

“We haven’t been outplayed – we have been outworked and, sometimes, kicked off the park.”

Elsewhere in the division, Church Stretton kept their good run going, holding second-placed Wolverhampton United to a goalless draw.