Wem 3 Ludlow Town 2

LUDLOW conceded two goals in the first quarter, and also had a player sent off in the first half, but still took the West Midlands Division 1 side all the way before bowing out of the Shropshire FA Challenge Cup at the first hurdle.

Nathan Hodge had a double chance to force extra time in the last minute, but failed to grab the lifeline. After being fouled himself inside the area, first he saw his penalty kick parried by the Wem keeper, and then lifted the loose ball over the bar.

The tie started badly for Town.

They enjoyed plenty of possession, but Wem scored twice when the Town defence failed to deal with crosses.

Danny Crowther dragged them back into the match with a goal, but then Craig Breakwell was sent off, leaving them with an uphill task. Aaron Hodge scrambled the ball in to tie the score, and then his brother Nathan had another chance ruled out for an earlier push.

Ludlow stretched Wem in the second half but fell behind again midway through the half, and this turned out to be the winner in a tight clash.

Ludlow face Shifnal 97 away in the league this weekend.