SCOTT Mackenzie says his Ludlow Colts side proved they have the guts as well as the goals by reaching the quarter-finals of the Herefordshire Junior Cup last weekend.

Colts won 4-1 at fellow Herefordshire League Division One side Belmont Wanderers to progress to the last eight – and make it six wins from six games in all competitions this season.

Mackenzie said a ‘very physical’ Belmont outfit tried to knock Ludlow out of their stride but Colts shrugged them off to continue their amazing start to the campaign.

Ludlow have netted 37 goals in six games – scoring at least four in every game – and Mackenzie says they have to expect some rough treatment given their burgeoning reputation.

He said: “It was a good win because it was a tough test. The conditions made it difficult, the pitch made it difficult and the opposition tactics made it difficult because they were very physical.

“There were some dirty tricks but our guys never buckled, we kept battling and we got the result.

“We’ve got to expect it, having scored the amount of goals we have got. We’ve got to expect teams will come out and try to intimidate us and kick us, but we can cope.”

Dan Griffiths – who last week signed an under-23s deal with Kidderminster Harriers but remains a Ludlow player on a dual contract – fired Ludlow ahead early with a great long-range strike.

Belmont equalised but Dan Crowther scored on the stroke of half-time to put Ludlow back in front and he netted twice late on, once from the penalty spot, to complete his hat-trick and seal victory.

That made it seven goals in two games for Crowther and sets up a quarter-final against either Division Two side Lads Club Colts or Division One basement club Ewyas Harold Reserves.

Mackenzie believes his side can go all the way but is more focused on the league – and was happy to see leaders Hinton Reserves lose for the first time on Saturday.

Ludlow are three points behind with two games in hand but face a tricky home game this Saturday against Holme Lacy Reserves – the side who ended Hinton’s 100 per cent start.

Mackenzie added: “It was a surprise result because Holme Lacy hadn’t had a great start but in this league it’s who turns up on the day. You really don’t know what is going to happen.”

There was no such joy for Colts’ Division One neighbours Orleton, who lost their last-16 tie 4-1 at Division Two side Bromyard Downs.

After going in 1-0 behind at half-time, unlucky own goals from Clayton Midlane and Kyle Whittaker meant Orleton trailed 3-0 and although Sam Thomas pulled one back, Bromyard added a fourth.

Orleton boss Mark Hollis said: “The score flattered them a little bit but we gave the ball away too much in the first half.”

Orleton Reserves registered their first league win of the season in Division Two, thrashing Belmont Rangers 5-0.