TOP of the table Team Dudley lost out 2-1 at AFC Ludlow in West Midlands League Division Two.

The match took place on Ludlow’s 3G pitch - but was still under threat of being abandoned when the game had to be halted for over 10 minutes owing to a severe outbreak of hailstones!

Ludlow took a fourth minute lead when Nathan Hodge, who has attracted interest from both Hereford United and Shrewsbury Town, caught Team Dudley napping in defence.

James Hill hit back to level for Dudley just before half time when he capitalised on a goalkeeping error to rattle home his 20th goal of the season.

Weather conditions worsened in the second half but that didn’t stop Sam Pearson providing Ludlow with a 65th minute winner.

Team Dudley boss Stewart Holmes claimed: “We didn’t really threaten them in the second half and Ludlow deserved to win. They were very well organised and very competitive and it was only some excellent goalkeeping from Liam Jones that kept us in the game at times”.

Despite the defeat, Team Dudley remain four points clear at the top but Holmes added: “We’re only top by virtue of the fact sides below us have played fewer games.

“However, we’ve made giant strides this season, Ludlow are a good side and I’m sure had we played them last season, we would have buckled”.

One blow for Dudley was the loss of ever present Steve Whitehouse who fractured his toe and could miss the remainder of the season.

Dudley have no fixture this Saturday.