Manager Steve Giles insists spirits remain high at struggling Shawbury as they prepare for tomorrow’s Shropshire West Midlands League derby with Ludlow.

The north Shropshire side have collected just a single point from their last seven outings and lie one place off the foot of the table.

But Giles insists there is still a strong belief his team can turn things around ahead of an important game at Wem.

“You would expect the players to be very down but they are actually quite upbeat,” said Giles. They know it’s sloppy mistakes which are costing us and if we can iron those out, we will give ourselves a chance.

“Ludlow have had a couple of dodgy results in the last few weeks but we know they are a good side.”

Midfielders Rob Rundle and Dave Thomas both return to Shawbury after holidays.

Ludlow are looking to bounce back after seeing their eight-match unbeaten run halted by back-to-back defeats.

“From what I have been told, Shawbury are just struggling in front of goal a little bit,” said manager Stuart Corns.

“But it’s a local derby which means anything could happen and our form in the last two games has hardly been good.

“We haven’t worked as hard as we have needed to and if you do that at any level, you don’t win football matches.”

Anthony Prince replaces departed goalkeeper Dave Cooper while centre-half Gareth Hamer returns.

It’s also derby time in West Midlands League division one as Hanwood head to Bridgnorth Town Reserves, who thumped Shenstone Pathfinder 6-0 last week.

“We didn’t have any local derbies last season so it’s good to have them back,” said Hanwood boss Stewart Dood.

“I think more and more Shropshire teams will come into the West Midlands League so the derbies should increase all the time.

“We played Bridgnorth Reserves in pre-season and drew 2-2 so we know it will be a tough game.

“I have also noticed Bridgnorth first team haven’t got a game so we may have to contend with a few of their players as well.”

Wem go gunning for a fifth successive division two victory with a trip to Tenbury United.