Bridgnorth Town have given the boot to midfielder Luke Brown in a row over his loyalty to the Sport Italia West Midlands League leaders.Brown incurred the wrath of boss Julian Marsh when he went to play for AFC Telford United’s reserves in midweek – despite orders not to do so.

The Town boss has acted swiftly in response, releasing the player ahead of tomorrow’s crunch Shropshire derby at home to second-placed Ellesmere Rangers.

Ironically, Brown’s run-out for the Bucks’ second string was cut short by the weather, the game abandoned at half-time with visitors Burton leading 2-1.

“He rung me and asked if he could go and play for Telford’s reserves and I said no, he’s our player and his loyalty should be with us,” Marsh revealed.

“He said it was a good opportunity and he went anyway – he’s made his bed and now he’s got to lie in it.

“He’s been a regular in our side and it’s a shame because he’s a good player and a good lad.

“But I only want players who are 100 per cent committed to Bridgnorth – and I don’t think we’re getting that from Luke.”

Bridgnorth go into tomorrow’s clash at Crown Meadow knowing defeat would see their lead cut to just three points.

But Marsh insists that will not worry them, adding: “There’s no pressure on us. Pressure is when you’re in the bottom three fighting for survival.

“Ellesmere are a good side and John Rhodes and Matt Burton have done a brilliant job since they’ve been in charge, so we’re expecting a tough game.”

As well as losing Brown, Marsh is without Steve Broome (flu) and Russell Morris (suspended), but has Paul Quinn back in the fold.

Ellesmere, by contrast, go into the game with what Burton has hailed as their strongest ever squad.

They have new signing Danny Barton, from Newtown, available for the first time – and he has been joined by Ben Houlston.

Striker Houlston started the season at Ludlow when Burton and Rhodes were coaches there and, after a short spell at Shawbury, has been reunited with the duo.

“It’s the strongest squad we’ve had since we’ve been here and we’re delighted with the way things are going,” added Burton.

“We’ve been involved for the last seven games and the lads deserve all the success they’re having. They’re organised, they’re hard-working, they’re fit and we’re very hard to beat.

“We’ve only conceded two in the last eight games and we’ve scored 19.”