Ledbury Town Football Club

Match report

Following a 5-1 defeat to Hereford Lads Club Colts at New Street a fortnight ago, Ledbury Town Swifts conceded ten goals in just two games in Division Two of the Herefordshire FA County League this weekend, crashing out 5-0 against Worcester United Reserves at the Ledbury Rugby Football Club Ross Road ground.

Even though the Ledbury third string had only narrowly lost out 3-2 to the league’s current second place holders at the Jewry Field back in early November, when a Harry Lock brace and a goal from substitute player Kieran MacDonald overcame the two goals for the visitors scored by Nat Dunk and substitute player Clayton Hodges, only sixteen-year-old Jake Clueit and returning more seasoned defender Tom Watkins came the closest to scoring at least a consolation goal or two for the Swifts on this occasion.

Phil Davis stood out as putting in a particularly good shift for the hosts upfront, with Jamie Roberts being named man of the match for the Ledbury third string as caretaker manager Nick Blakeway conceded that his side still have much to work on:

“We lost our shape when losing the ball, and were duly punished for it, with the opposition having more desire in the 50/50 duels to win possession.”

“None of our lads wanted to get back behind the ball, with possession being surrendered cheaply and easily.”

“We have loads of work to do unfortunately. Having ten of our players out didn’t help, but that’s no excuse.”

The Swifts, tenth in the table although level on eleven points apiece with Tenbury United Colts just above them following non-fulfilment of a league fixture by the Colts back in early November, are out of footballing action for the time-being, starting April with a good chance to make up ground following the latest two sizeable setbacks with a second meeting of the season against basement boys Dore Valley at the Ross Road ground on Saturday 2nd April (KO 2:30pm).

This fixture was postponed back in mid-January due to a frozen pitch at the Ross Road ground, with a narrow 3-2 victory resulting for Dore a month later at the Seven Site as a brace from home striker David Brooke and an additional goal from Mark Evans bought the bottom table holders only their second victory of the season, following a 4-1 win against lowly Credenhill at Roman Park the week after their postponed game against Blakeway’s side.

Dave Feakins and Jamie Roberts found the two goals during the Ledbury third string’s last away encounter against Dore, with youngster Rio Roberts being named man of the match for the visitors.