JOINT manager Craig Payton has not ruled out striker Jamie Hart playing for his side next season even though he has retired from football.

The 32-year-old, who has spent five years at Bewdley, decided to call it a day because of a problematic ankle injury.

Payton though would like to see Hart back at Ribbesford Meadows, if the hitman changes his mind.

"Jamie's been a great servant for the club because of the number of goals he has scored for us and will always will be welcome at Bewdley," said Payton.

"He doesn't feel he can go on at the moment but if he changes his mind in the summer then we would have him back."

A 6-1 win over Ludlow last Wednesday and Saturday's 6-3 hammering of Brierley Hill and Withymoor means that in-form Bewdley are on course to secure second-place in the West Midlands League Premier Division behind newly crowned champions Bridgnorth.

With speculation mounting that two teams may be relegated from the Midland Alliance, Payton wants his side to finish in the runner-up spot and give themselves the best chance possible of winning promotion.

"We have to make sure that if something happens and two sides are going up we are in the right place," said Payton.

On Wednesday goals for Lewis Pountney (2), Craig Forbes, Simon Brooks, Chris Hough and Steve Holt ensured a 6-1 win over Ludlow.

Town battled back from 3-1 down to beat Brierly Hill on Saturday.

In wet and windy conditions Bewdley started slowly and were trailing 3-1, with Brooks on target.

Forbes was pushed up alongside Hough because of an injury to Pountney and Bewdley battled back into the game.

Hough grabbed a goal back early in the half and Dan Ludlow volleyed a leveller into the back of the net.

Hough made it 4-3 and completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute, before keeper Tom Harper beat his opposite number from the penalty spot in the game's dying moments.