AFC Ludlow boss Dave Cooper says he is sad to lose one of the club's key players who has decided to return home to Slovakia.

Midfielder Martin Jusko has joined up with a club in the country of his birth, but paid farewell to his teammates by helping them to a 2-1 victory at Team Dudley.

The win puts Ludlow third in the table ahead of a break from league action this weekend.

"He's a good player in our midfield and has scored some important goals for us, particularly last season," said Cooper.

"We'll miss him but we've got a big squad here. Their attitude is brilliant."

In an end-to-end battle in the Black Country, the home side kept Ludlow goalkeeper Ian Havard busy throughout the opening period.

But just as the sides looked to be heading for a goalless first half, Dale Hodge out jumped the home 'keeper to nod the visitors ahead in the 44th minute.

"We got a lucky break with the opening goal and that gave us the lead just before half time," said Cooper.

"In the second half there was nothing going on really but then they hit a belter from the edge of the box to equalise."

The leveller prompted a double substitution from Cooper who saw one of the replacements, Kieran Dovey, fire home the winner five minutes from the end.

The only disappointment for the visiting side was losing midfielder Rob Vass with a groin injury.

"It was a good win for us," added Cooper.

"Our 'keeper was probably the busiest he has been all season."

The win is Ludlow's second in a week following their comprehensive 3-0 victory over Lads Club the previous Saturday.

It puts them just three points off top-of-the-table Bromyard Town with six wins out of their nine games so far.

This Saturday they entertain the RAF's Under 23s side (2.30pm) in a friendly with Cooper confident the game will be a test for his players.

"We had a free weekend because of the odd number of teams in the league," he said.

"They got in touch with us. I think it'll be a good game."