LUDLOW boss Chris Waldron admits the next fortnight will be a real test of his side’s title credentials in the Salop Leisure League after yet another thumping win.

Connor Davies-Austin (2), Jack Marston (2), Kieran Dovey, Jack Mear and Owen Holdsworth netted as Ludlow thrashed Shrewsbury Up & Comers 7-1 to stay top and boost their goal difference to +32.

This Saturday, they visit old foes Newport Town before hosting title rivals Shrewsbury Juniors a week later and Waldron admitted: “The next two weeks will be big for us.

“Everyone else seems to keep winning so we have to do the same but it’s going to be tricky – Newport is always a hard game while Shrewsbury are a good side who will be up there challenging.”

Church Stretton climbed to fifth as Dean Richards hit five in a 7-2 hammering of Madeley, with James Hill and Alex Haigh also scoring.

“This season has probably been a bit lean by Dean’s standards,” smiled Stretton boss Scott Peever, after his striker increased his campaign’s tally from two to seven in the space of 90 minutes.

“So he will have been pleased with Saturday and he could have had a few more but some of his finishes were brilliant. He’s a massive asset and, I think, the best striker in the division.”