PERSHORE Men's Firsts face a hockey relegation dogfight after losing 3-1 at fellow strugglers Ludlow in BodyKraft West Midlands Division One.

The visitors briefly held the lead and were a match for their well-drilled opponents for much of the game.

Ludlow set their game-plan out early but Pershore's central-defensive partnership of Andy Wright and Pete Powell held firm.

Steve Ridsdale's pace threatened to undo the hosts at the other end and they earned a short corner when Ludlow were harshly penalised for dissent.

Graeme Rushin cleverly weighted his pass to Toby Whiting whose initial shot was saved but he poached the rebound.

Pershore's lead did not last long though as a short corner was deflected past covering defender Gareth Rushton by the outstretched leg of goalkeeper Chris Graham.

The second-half was best forgotten by most of the Pershore side although Lea Hawkes and Rob Handley defended well.

Ludlow grabbed a deserved lead 15 minutes from time after a controversial decision and then caught Pershore on the break to scuff a killer third goal past Graham who was caught in no man's land.

Whiting went close for the visitors but Saturday's fixture at Newtown is a crunch match for the Vale side.

Pershore Seconds continued their promotion quest with a workman-like 4-1 win over bottom-of-the-table Ludlow in West Midlands Division Two.

James Massingham set up the opener for Andy Taylor who then provided Ali Sanderson with the second goal.

Mark Passmore and Sanderson added further goals in the second period.