Bridgnorth Town 2 Ludlow Town 1-

LUDLOW Town were unfortunate to come away from this very competitive Midland Alliance mid-table battle without any points after dominating much of the game but going down to two controversial goals.

Having beaten and drawn with Bridgnorth in their two previous encounters, Ludlow started confidently. They almost took the lead after five minutes when a long clearance from visiting goalkeeper Martin Poole deceived the home defence and Gareth Horler was only foiled by the swift reactions of home keeper Danny Tipton.

Any Bridgnorth threats were competently dealt with by a well-organised Ludlow back four, until a somewhat controversial goal broke the deadlock in the 27th minute.

A long Bridgnorth throw was collected by Poole but the ball was knocked out of the goalkeeper's grasp, unnoticed by the officials, and forced home. In spite of strong protests the goal was allowed to stand.

Ludlow immediately hit back and almost levelled when Rob Vass fired in a fierce half-volley which Tipton could only parry into the path of Horler. The striker poked the ball firmly goalwards but Tipton somehow got back to make a superb double save.

The visitors kept up the pressure and equalised when a move involving Steve Moore, Phil Bates, Shaun Park and Darryl Smith set up Horler, whose crisp finish drew applause from both sets of supporters.

Bridgnorth regained the lead before the break when Luke Rogers appeared to elbow the ball to Noel Malcolm. As Ludlow stopped waiting for the whistle Malcolm blasted the ball past Poole.

Ludlow dominated the second half but time and again were thwarted by an inspired Tipton who saved point blank headers from both Darren Leonard and Horler to deny Ludlow a deserved share of the points.