LUDLOW Colts striker Dan Griffiths has signed for Conference North side Kidderminster – but boss Scott Mackenzie says last weekend’s amazing 12-3 win shows they have the firepower to cope without him.

Griffiths, 19, has penned an under-23s deal with Harriers, although he will still be available to turn out for Herefordshire Division One outfit Colts when he does not have a game with Kidderminster.

Mackenzie says Griffiths will be missed but pointed to Saturday’s stunning demolition of Ledbury Town Reserves – when six different scorers contributed to Colts’ dozen goals – as proof Ludlow are not reliant on one player.

He said: “It’s a great opportunity for Dan. He’s been with me since he was eight or nine when I first took charge of a junior team here.

“We will be sad to see him go but we wish him all the best and he can still play for us when he’s not in their squad.

“He’s got the right attitude and I’m sure he will do well. He will be a bit of a miss for us but we have shown that we have got enough firepower in the squad to cope.”

Early strikes from Griffiths and Jack Pound put Colts 2-0 up against Ledbury and although the visitors pulled one back through Nathan Priday’s own goal, a Simon Bradley free-kick soon made it 3-1.

Danny Crowther made it 4-1 before Ledbury cut the deficit to two but Griffiths scored his second to make it 5-2 at the interval.

Crowther scored two quickfire goals early in the second half to complete his hat-trick and make it 7-2 before Ledbury netted their third.

But Ludlow scored five more without reply to put the icing on the cake as Bradley netted his second, Martin Jones bagged a brace, Crowther grabbed his fourth and Priday scored at the right end.

Colts have won four out of four in the league, racking up a goal difference of +19, but turn their attentions to a Herefordshire Junior Cup trip to Belmont Wanderers this Saturday.

Mackenzie added: “We would like a good cup run and we have drawn (Premier Division leaders) Clee Hill in the Shropshire Cup in November so the Junior Cup might be our best shot.”

Elsewhere in Division One, Orleton drew 2-2 at home to Holme Lacy Reserves but manager Mark Hollis felt they were unlucky not to claim all three points.

Clayton Midlane put Orleton ahead from a corner early on but two stunning long-range strikes from a Holme Lacy full-back turned the game on its head before the break.

Midlane poked home from a free-kick to earn Orleton a point ten minutes from time but the hosts hit the bar through Kyle Whitticase while Kieran Hollis had two goals disallowed for offside.

Orleton visit Division Two side Bromyard Downs in the Junior Cup on Saturday and boss Hollis said: “It will be a difficult game as they are a strong side but it’s a good chance for us to progress.”