LUDLOW FC boss Chris Waldron admits his side are itching to get one over on Church Stretton this weekend and continue their fine start to the season by putting their derby jinx to rest.

Waldron’s troops thrashed Telford Juniors 4-0 in their West Midlands Division Two opener last weekend but will face a sterner test when they travel to Stretton on Saturday.

Since Ludlow’s 2017 reformation, they’ve claimed just one point from a possible 12 against Stretton, a 1-1 draw their best result in a rivalry that has seen them suffer heavy 6-1, 4-1 and 3-0 defeats.

Waldron said: “It’s a local derby and we will be up for it as always – I’m sure it will be a good game between two good sides.

“But we haven’t beaten them since our reformation so it would be nice to get a result. You want to win every game but especially so a derby.

“There are a couple of games in the league this weekend (opening-day winners Coven and Newport also meet) that will give us an idea of who will be up there this season. Hopefully it will be us.”

The two sides would not be meeting at all if the league had granted Stretton – who finished second last term – promotion but they were controversially denied because of issues with their ground.

Waldron admitted: “I don’t ever feel sorry for any of our rivals but if I was in their position, I would have been gutted.”

Ludlow ended four places and 12 points below Stretton last season but Saturday’s fine win has given Waldron hope that an improved campaign lies ahead.

Ryan Lewis bagged a brace and Matt Good also netted, as did Dan Griffiths, who Waldron believes will make an impact after his call-up from last season’s double-winning Ludlow Colts side.

Waldron said: “It was a great start and we were pleased to get the first win under our belts ahead of the derby. We totally dominated the game and the scoreline was definitely a fair reflection.”

On Griffiths, the manager added: “His work ethic and pace will always cause any team problems and I’m pleased that he has made the step up with us.”

Elsewhere in the West Midlands League this weekend, Shawbury United and their new manager Declan Allen face a big Premier Division test.

They host Worcester Raiders, who have won both of their opening two games.