THIS Coaching Solutions Hockey League West Midlands division two fixture took Malvern to Leominster to play Ludlow.

LUDLOW 5, MALVERN 1

Ludlow were always going to be a different class of opposition compared to Aston last week and within five minutes, Ludlow took the lead with a well-worked goal. The lead was soon doubled and Malvern were under pressure.

The difference this season is that Malvern do respond to pressure and a good attacking run by Crump earned a free-hit which found Price running in on goal to superbly deflect the ball past the keeper.

Malvern continued to press and were beginning to get on top, until a Ludlow player lifted a ball into the face of John Podmore, who needed hospital treatment. This aided Ludlow to stem the tide and with Malvern players playing out of position, Ludlow were able to score a third goal.

The second-half saw Malvern trying to get back into the game with Price again at the hub of most attacks.

Unfortunately, Price received a yellow card for some unknown offence and to make matters worse, Peate followed him off the pitch for a bad stick-tackle.

Malvern were now playing with nine players and Simmonds had to drop into defence leaving Crump isolated up front.

Malvern did have chances to score, but some resolute defending kept them at bay. The inevitable did happen when Ludlow worked the ball around the understrength Malvern to score their fourth and fifth goals.

Malvern can look at this game and take away a few positives, in fact, this fixture last year saw Malvern lose 10-1.

A couple of key Malvern players were missing and without the sending off decisions, the scoreline may have been much closer.

Malvern's next game is at the Boys College tomorrow (Saturday), against Standard at noon.