LUDLOW twice came from behind to edge out Stafford 4-3 in West Midlands Hockey League Division One – and ensure a four-way traffic jam at the top of the table.

Four teams sit level on 41 points with Market Drayton topping the table on goal difference, three goals superior to Ludlow in second.

Redditch are third and Stourport fourth – and Ludlow have to play both of those in their final three games, starting with a trip to the latter this weekend.

Stafford had stunned leaders Market Drayton 4-0 a week earlier and went ahead at Ludlow early on thanks to some uncharacteristically poor defending from the hosts.

Ludlow were level within five minutes as skipper Gavin Hughes slotted home a penalty corner but Stafford regained the lead on 15 minutes.

Two quickfire goals before half-time from Andy Richards and Lawrence Richards turned the scoreline in Ludlow’s favour but Stafford levelled at 3-3 just two minutes into the second half.

However, Ieuan Hutchinson won it for Ludlow, who held out in a frantic finale as both sides suffered late sin-binnings.