NEW Kington Town signing Dale Hodge says he is loving life at Mill Street despite dropping down a division.

Hodge joined the West Midlands (Regional) Football League Division 2 side from higher-graded AFC Ludlow.

But he knows all about the league having won it with Ludlow last season and is confident he will be getting his hands on the championship trophy again come May.

“I played in this league last season and was lucky enough to win it with Ludlow,” said Hodge.

“Hopefully I can now bring that to Kington and get another one under my belt and retain my title.

“I have got a lot of friends at Ludlow and have been there since I was about 16 or 17.

“It was tough to leave but I think it was the right time and think I took it as far as I could personally. It’s a change for me but I like it down here and it has worked well so far.

“The lads have been nothing but brilliant towards me and it’s been superb.”

Hodge said that linking up with his brother Aaron was key to the move.

“A big reason why I came was to hook up with Aaron because I haven’t played with him for a while and we have linked up well.”

Both scored during last Saturday’s 4-0 win against Wyrley Reserves that lifts Kington up to third in the league table.

Kington manager Shaun Harris said he is delighted he has the brothers on board.

“Aaron can blow a bit hot and cold and would be disappointed he didn’t get a few more goals, but I was pleased he got one at the end,” said Harris. “They make a massive difference and are great players to have around. It’s good to have them on board and they are something we need.”

Kington dominated against Wyrley Reserves but only managed to put the game out of their reach during the last couple of minutes.

A host of chances were missed during the first half and Town struggled to break down their opponents.

Aaron Hodge twice saw efforts go wide in the opening 15 minutes before Dale Hodge floated a shot just over on the half-half mark.

A great strike by Brian Dyer rattled a post two minutes later before Nick Layton broke the deadlock when his effort beat Wyrley goalkeeper Joe Gilbert via a post.

Kington should have gone into the half-time break 2-0 up but Josh Griffiths’ effort lacked power.

However they did double their lead six minutes into the second half.

An in-swinging corner from Dyer was met by Ricky Dyer, whose shot was deemed to have crossed the line.

The Hodge brothers continued to cause Wyrley problems, but Town could not make their possession count. They were almost made to pay 15 minutes from time, but Neil Sinclair’s deflected effort just whistled past the far post.

Kington then made the game safe a minute from time when Dale Hodge tapped the ball home after Jordan Cooper’s shot hit the crossbar.

And there were more celebrations for the Hodge family moments later after Aaron’s effort deflected in to round off the scoring.