LUDLOW Town players wanting to earn a first team place this season will need to battle hard to impress manager Chris Richards.

Richards, who has been putting the squad through a series of rigorous pre-season tests, said: "We have brought in some fringe players to show what they can do. Eleven or 12 lads will be retained from last year but we are aiming to work with a squad of 20. This means reserves will always be in contention for a first team place as we take five subs into each game.''

He added: "We have been working on fitness, also defending and attacking structures. Players are getting to know each others' strengths and weaknesses and, overall, I am pleased with recent performances.''

Market Drayton's visit to Ludlow last Tuesday resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Sean Humphries scored with a 20-yard free kick before the visitors equal-ised with 10 minutes to go.

Ludlow's final pre-season result was a 1-1 home draw against Welsh Premier side Caersws on Saturday.

Again Ludlow scored first. Mike Walters scored from six yards out after meeting a cross from Liam O'Brien, making his debut. The visitors equalised in the last five minutes.

Ludlow kick off the season at 2.45pm on Saturday, August 19, against visitors Dudley in the West Midlands Premier Division.