LUDLOW FC laid down a marker for the rest of the Salop Leisure League with a 4-0 season-opening win over Albrighton – despite being ‘far from our best’ according to boss Chris Waldron. The hosts netted twice in each half with Connor-Davies Austin, Ryan Lewis, Sean Evans and James Byatt on the scoresheet in the brand-new county league. “To be honest, it wasn’t our best performance,” said Waldron.

“We can play a lot better but we got the job done, kept a clean sheet – I don’t think they had a shot on target – and we scored four goals.” Up next, Ludlow host Shrewsbury side Steam Wagon United, who beat Church Stretton 2-1. “We have heard they have signed a few good players,” added Waldron. “They look like they’re going to be decent so we’re expecting a tricky game.” James Hill scored a late consolation for Stretton in a game that ended 10-a-side with Ashley Wells and the Steam Wagon keeper sent off for separate incidents. Stretton boss Scott Peever, whose side host Shrewsbury Juniors this Saturday, said: “We had no complaints, we were second best all over the park and the better side definitely won. “We’ve got to be better against Shrewsbury because anyone finishing above them and Dawley will win the league. They are the benchmark.”