Hinton 0 Ludlow Town Res 1

WITHOUT four key players, Hinton missed an opportunity to move three points clear at the top of the West Midlands League Division 1 South when they lost a closely-contested home game.

The game was always tight with defences generally on top and much of the play confined to midfield.

A defensive mistake by Hinton in the 15th minutes saw Ludlow grab the only real chance of the first half to score what proved to be the decisive goal.

A home-team pass across the box was intercepted by a visiting striker and, although his first shot was blocked, the ball was bundled across the line in the ensuing goalmouth scramble.

Hinton had a couple of half-chances to get back on terms but failed to make them count.

It was much the same after the break with chances few and far between, and any attempts by Hinton to get on terms were held by a determined Ludlow defence.

But youngsters Simon Gwynne and Anthony Robbins showed promise in attack and Matt Smalley and Matt Aspey did well at the back.