Ledbury Town Football Club

Match report

Following a great start to 2022, with a 2-1 victory away to Bartestree and a 4-0 win against Holme Lacy Reserves at the Ledbury Rugby Football Club Ross Road ground, Ledbury Town Reserves’ more recent dip in form in Division One of the Herefordshire FA County League after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Ross Juniors HCL at the Ross-on-Wye Sports Centre continued this week as David Butcher and Nick Blakeway’s side suffered the same result away against league leaders Fownhope.

Jake Bramley allowed the Ledbury second string to go a goal up at first, before Joseph Harwood and Ben Price later scored for the hosts via a 25-yard screamer and a deflected shot off the post which fell to the latter Fownhope player’s feet in the box.

Alistair Holder was named man of the match for the reserves as Butcher was still in a positive frame of mind despite the latest defeat:

“The result didn’t reflect on how well the lads played, going 1-0 up and being the better team for most of the match.”

“We have played the best two teams in the league back-to-back, and should have come away with at least four points.”

“If the lads show the same desire to win which they have displayed over the last few games since the start of the year, I am confident we will finish the second half of the season very strongly.”

Butcher and Blakeway’s squad, maintaining an eighth place position in the table, continue a busy February of fixtures with the luxury of three consecutive home games, hosting current basement boys the Civil Service at New Street this coming weekend, before entertaining mid-table Tenbury Town and lowly Bartestree over the following two Saturdays (all games KO 2:00pm).

The Civil Service will be looking for payback on the Ledbury second string after a sole goal from Tom Skittery was enough to achieve the win at Central Park in Hereford during the second game of the season back in early September, with Tenbury Town and the reserves being yet to lock horns this season.

Bartestree will be looking for a better result at New Street after first half goals from visiting forwards George Walker and Sam Branch, together with a critical second half save from Zak Bonfield secured a Ledbury win at Bartestree’s ground to start the year, even if Harry Gwynne later deprived the visitors of a clean sheet.