Season: 2021-22

Ledbury Town Swifts v Hereford Lads Club Colts

A Lads Club defender goes in pursuit of Jasper Wilce on the ball in midfield towards the end of the game (📸: Chris Ponter)

Following a spirited narrow 1-0 defeat against Herefordshire FA County League Division Two leaders Ewyas Harold Reserves at the Ledbury Rugby Football Club Ross Road ground last weekend, Ledbury Town Swifts were brought back down to earth with a bump this week, suffering a 5-1 defeat to current third place holders Hereford Lads Club Colts in front of a good-sized crowd at a sunny if chilly New Street.

Despite only narrowly losing out 4-3 to Lads Club back in early December at the County Ground, when Andy Abbot picked up a brace with Thomas Burton and Harry Holmans also on target for the hosts as Alex Berry, Will Brandreth and substitute player Dan Fish found the goals for the Ledbury third string, the Colts scored twice within the first period of play on this occasion, even if Brandreth kept the Swifts in with a fighting chance by pulling a goal back just before the interval.

Lads Club reclaimed their double-goal advantage on the 53rd minute, with home caretaker manager Nick Blakeway, man of the match during the game against Ewyas Harold over the road seven days previously, continuing to lead by example in performing a superb save at the far post as the Colts struck the side of the net on the follow-up.

Brandreth then missed the finish as the ball landed for him in the box, before two consecutive well-taken corner balls from Berry on the 70th minute still couldn’t close the Ledbury deficit.

Blakeway was then caught off his line, with the Swifts defence trying desperately to clear the ball away only for stand-in referee Josh Williams in the absence of scheduled official Mark Hays to give the visitors a penalty which was confidently struck into the centre of the net as Blakeway dived to the left.

The city-based outfit hit five on the 74th minute when a strong effort deflected off the palm of Blakeway into the net, with Jasper Wilce then putting in some excellent sustained defensive work back downfield, battling hard against two opposing defenders to win the ball on the touchline.

A foul committed by Lads Club with ten minutes left on the clock gave a free kick to Berry which was fired well over both the four-man wall of Colts defenders on the edge of the box and the bar, before the same home player was pulled down by his shirt towards the far corner flag, with a spot of fisticuffs then threatening to break out between the Ledbury youngster and a group of visiting defenders before the free kick nevertheless given to the Swifts was flicked on by Dave Feakins in the box to be saved by the opposing keeper.

The Lads Club goaltender then beat three home forwards including Feakins to the ball, with one final Ledbury corner ball being nodded wide by lofty home player Khayd Saxelby, using his considerable height advantage in leaping up above the group of Colts defenders in the box.

Owen Gosling’s brace was accompanied by further goals from Andy Abbott, Joe Manns and substitute player Gabriel Calomfir to seal the sizeable win for Lads Club, with sixteen-year-old central midfielder Harry Millis being named man of the match for the Swifts for an energetic display during his debut game for the club.

The final scoreline perhaps doesn’t reflect the noble effort put in by the young hosts against one of the league’s better sides however, with Blakeway himself summing up the game quite concisely: “It just wasn’t our day sadly.”

The Ledbury third string, second from bottom in the table although only a point behind Credenhill following a three-point deduction for the current ninth place holders after failing to fulfil a midweek fixture back in early January, have the luxury of two further home games this month, beginning with a fixture against sixth-placed Woofferton this coming weekend, and then current holders of the second spot Worcester United Reserves (both games KO 2:30pm at the Ross Road ground).

The Swifts will be hoping for an improvement over the 3-0 loss suffered the last time they played Woofferton at the Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports Club in only the second league game of the season played back in September, when Jack Lewis found a double for the hosts with Adam Lewis scoring the third.

The Ledbury third string then narrowly lost out 3-2 to Worcester 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 Swifts scored by Nat Dunk and substitute player Clayton Hodges.

vs

Hinton Reserves v Ledbury Town Reserves

Ledbury second string captain Jai Smallwood leads by example in battling to keep the ball away from the Hinton attacker beside him, supported by Tom Skittery from behind with first visiting substitute player that day Sam Branch shown with back to the camera on the far right (📸: Chris Ponter)

Ledbury Town Reserves achieved the same 3-1 win this week from the last time they played Hinton Reserves in Division One of the Herefordshire FA County League back in early November, although with three different goalscorers as opposed to the Tom Skittery brace and additional goal from Callum Blackmore-Davey scored last time around as Alistair Holder, Curt Williams and man of the match Kieran Loveridge found the three marks on the scoresheet at a bright and breezy Broomy Hill.

It was touch and go at times for David Butcher’s squad, bolstered on the day by first teamers Williams, Pete Jeynes and George Walker owing to Ledbury’s senior side having a fortnight off following their crucial second Herefordshire League Premier Division victory of the season over current second place holders Hereford Pegasus Reserves at Old School Lane when a Tom Boyle brace netted the same scoreline, particularly during a very even first period of play which saw Hinton gain a number of early chances from set-pieces.

The Ledbury second string found the breakthrough on the 20th minute when Williams’ exquisite free kick was nodded home by Alistair Holder, even if the hosts remained very much in the game come the interval as the black and white shirts knew that their single-goal advantage was extremely fragile.

Sure enough, it took only ten minutes into the latter half of play for Jordan Mann to find the equalizer, even if Williams’ 64th minute goal was swiftly followed by Loveridge lobbing opposing goalkeeper Liam Hill just six minutes later to put the visitors firmly in the driving seat, during an enjoyable encounter in the chilly conditions which also witnessed three yellow cards being produced by referee for the day Joshua Marchant.

The earlier kick-off on account of Hinton’s first team playing third place Herefordshire League Premier Divison holders Hereford Lads Club Reserves home later on that afternoon began with hardworking Ledbury captain Jai Smallwood producing a defensive header over the touchline, giving the hosts an opening corner ball which was punched clear by visiting keeper Zak Bonfield.

A free kick for the red and black shirts, taken not far from the same corner flag was then palmed away again by Bonfield, even if the young Ledbury goaltender couldn’t quite manage to recapture the ball as his defence was left to make the clearance.

A further free kick from the Hereford-based outfit on the ninth minute was struck beneath the leaping three-man wall of visiting players Sam Booth, the aforementioned of the Holder twins and brother Matti to see the ball come off the foot of an opposing attacker near Walker as the ball was cleared away by the latter of the Holder siblings, even if a frustrated Butcher made his feelings very clear from the dugout over Hinton being given so many set-pieces inside the opening ten minutes of play.

A great run from visiting striker Jake Mecke down the near wing with three Ledbury defenders in hot pursuit saw his effort from a tricky angle at the far post blocked by the outstretched foot of Bonfield, before a further Broomy Hill forward put the ball well wide from twenty yards out on the follow-up from the visiting keeper’s deflection.

William’s terrific spot kick was then struck past the three-man wall of opposing defenders to see Alistair Holder capitalize and put the ball away to break the deadlock, only for Hinton to respond immediately with a threatening assault around the box which was well-covered by both Smallwood and Jeynes out towards the near corner flag, even if the cross which was still produced just missed the head of a Hinton forward in the box as one of his team-mates went on to fire the ball harmlessly over the woodwork.

Bonfield then made a brilliant save with Booth being on hand to nod the resulting corner ball clear, with the hosts choosing to make a first substitution on the 25th minute as Smallwood continued to lead by example in dealing with a number of advances from the opposition at the edge of the box.

Jake Bramley was then shown the first yellow card of the day from Marchant for dissent, before a free kick from Loveridge on the half-hour mark, after his pass to Walker saw the twenty-year-old first teamer obstructed and taking a tumble over a Hinton defender on the edge of the box, was nodded on by Skittery but without any of his team-mates being available to perform the finish.

Ledbury continued to ride their luck when the hosts put the ball just shy of the far post, before some good defensive work from Matti Holder saw the regular visiting defender clear the ball away from towards the near corner flag.

Bonfield then dived to confidently claim the ball on the ground just in the nick of time from a rapidly-advancing opposing attacker, even if the Hinton striker clipped the Ledbury goaltender’s arm in the process, before Butcher’s squad retired to the sideline over the break knowing that they still had much to do if they were to secure the three points.

The second period began almost immediately with the hosts threatening right in front of goal upfield, even if the threat was halted by an offside flag being raised by regular visiting skipper Nick Bolton running the near sideline, ready to return to the action after suffering from a popped hamstring incurred in the 2-1 win away at basement boys Bartestree during the Ledbury second string’s first league game of the year, before Williams charged in to fire the ball well over the target after a cross from Loveridge came off Bramley in the box back downfield.

A 25-yard free kick from Williams flew over the group of visiting forwards in the box and on past the near post, before a second offside flag from Bolton was followed by the ball landing for Walker in the box, whose pass to Bramley was intercepted by an opposing defender.

Alistair Holder protested to Marchant after an apparent handball offence from Hinton in the box went unpunished by the official, with Ledbury frustrations being further compounded when the hosts took full advantage of the moment of controversy to race away upfield and put away their equalizer through Mann.

A Broomy Hill midfielder then picked up the first of two bookings incurred by his side that day for committing a foul against Walker, with the resulting free kick from Williams being struck over another three-man defensive wall to be very well-saved by Hill, getting a hand to the ball to palm it off the near post.

Sam Branch came on to replace Bramley on the 60th minute in a first substitution from Butcher’s well-staffed subs bench, before Alistair Holder slid in and just missed the finish at the far post as the opposing outfit went on to receive a second booking from Marchant.

The tide began to turn back the visitors’ way when Williams coolly slotted home, before a Hinton free kick was struck over the Holder duo and Loveridge forming the Ledbury wall to sail well wide and over the frame.

Loveridge then lobbed Hill from twenty yards out, with the ball sneaking in just between the head of the home goaltender and the bar to give the visitors a valuable two-goal cushion, before George Hackman, goalscorer in Ledbury’s second league victory of the season over Bartestree the previous weekend, immediately entered the fray on in exchange for Alistair Holder as quarter of an hour stood between his side and the points.

Skittery then couldn’t take advantage of an open goal, being unable to prevent the ball from escaping over the touchline past the far post while Hill was off his line, before both he and Walker retired with ten minutes to go to see both Bolton and Kai Davis take to the field for the remainder of the game.

One final superb volley from Hinton was then met with an equally-impressive diving save from Bonfield to leave Butcher’s buoyed squad with the mere case of closing out the game, going on to celebrate a well-deserved third league win on the bounce which keeps them at a strong seventh position in the table, four points behind Ross Juniors HCL in fourth.

Butcher was more than satisfied with his side’s latest performance, although admitted there were shortcomings to improve upon:

“I thought the lads battled well all through the game, and we deserved the win. We did ride our luck a few times however, letting Hinton have a number of chances even if, luckily for us, they didn’t get converted into goals.”

“We are in good form now with three wins on the bounce, and we are starting to play some quality football which is enjoyable and entertaining to watch.”

A busy March for the Ledbury second string sees them face Burghill Rangers at The Copse this weekend (KO 2:30pm), after Burghill moved up one position in the table to ninth following a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Holme Lacy Reserves at home on the same day as the game at Broomy Hill, with a brace from Liam Watton and additional goals from Jed Mann and Matthew Quinsey buying a comfortable win.

Butcher’s team then look set to entertain current second place holders Worcester United in an evening fixture at New Street on Wednesday 16th March (KO 7:30pm), before hosting fifth-placed Tenbury United three days later (KO 2:30pm).

The fortunes of the Ledbury second string against Burghill are quite mixed this season, with a 1-1 draw resulting at home during the very first game of the season back in early September, when Alistair Holder found the sole goal for the visitors with Watton again scoring for the Rangers.

An 8-5 goal fest to Burghill’s advantage then occurred in the quarter-finals of this season’s Ross Cup in early December at The Copse, as star reserves player Bramley notched up a first hat-trick at senior level football to go with goals from Skittery and Matti Holder, with Watton scoring a treble and Louis Mann picking up a brace for the Rangers.

Mann and substitute players John Brandie and Harry Bosse also found the net for Burghill, although not without Chad Bryant receiving a yellow card from referee for the occasion Mark Hays.

A 3-3 draw then occurred away at Martley Village Hall for Butcher’s squad when they last played Worcester in early October, when a further brace from Skittery and a goal from Jack Dandy levelled the goals scored by home strikers Matthew Gardner, Rhys Turberfield and Arron Windsor.

The same scoreline resulted against Tenbury at Palmers Meadow in the Ledbury second string’s penultimate game before the Christmas break, as Skittery and sixteen-year-old Jake Clueit scored either side of an own goal from United, with Ryan Morris picking up a brace for the hosts and Michael Wood also on target for the blue and yellow shirts, even if team-mates Will Clutterbuck and Aaron Morris were booked by referee J. Cairns.

Butcher’s team will then end the month with a first visit of the season to the Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports Club to face current eighth place holders Tenbury Town, whom they are yet to lock horns with this season after their scheduled first meeting of the season at New Street was postponed a fortnight ago due to a waterlogged pitch caused by Storm Eunice.

vs

Ledbury Town Reserves v Bartestree

Ledbury brace-scorer that day George Walker puts a 23rd minute cross past Bartestree defender Luke Cox from towards the far wing upfield (📸: Chris Ponter)

Ledbury Town Reserves rose to mid-table in Division One of the Herefordshire FA County League this weekend, overcoming league basement boys Bartestree for a second occasion this season with a 3-0 victory at a bright and breezy New Street.

It was also a back-to-back win for David Butcher’s young squad, having defeated basement boys the Civil Service 2-1 at home a fortnight ago following a postponed New Street fixture against Tenbury Town last weekend due to a waterlogged pitch caused by Storm Eunice, when goals from Tom Skittery and Brad Potter overcame the consolation goal scored by William Greaves.

Although it was only a critical save from Zak Bonfield which retained the three points the last time the Ledbury second string locked horns with Bartestree during the first game of the year for both teams after the original reverse fixture at New Street was cancelled the week beforehand owing to a waterlogged pitch, when Harry Gwynne halved the hosts’ goal deficit following first-half goals from George Walker and Sam Branch, this latest affair was rather more assured for the reserves despite a shaky opening twenty minutes, even if the bottom table holders made them work for the clean sheet.

The day belonged to the Georges as Walker picked up a brace between the two halves of play, with George Hackman finding the target on the 25th minute just two minutes after Walker scored his first.

Kieran Loveridge was first to strike, firing the ball wide of the far post before Tom Skittery tried his luck from twenty yards out, sending the ball the same way as his team-mate as a very-much-unlucky thirteenth minute of play for Matti Holder saw him come down towards the far wing during a 50/50 challenge between him and a member of the Bartestree back-line, even if referee for the day Mike Darley gave the decision the visitors’ way.

The home defence then just about managed to hold off an advance from the blue shirts in midfield, even if Butcher made his frustration over the opposition being allowed to gain so much ground quite clear from the dugout as Bartestree keeper Alex Russell then beat both Skittery and one of his defenders to the ball to make the clearance.

Walker then opened the scoring, with Hackman doubling his side’s lead moments later before Skittery had a chance to make it three for Ledbury soon afterwards, not quite being able to score from the follow-up after Russell dived to claw a cross-shot from Morgan Skidmore off the line.

Holder just missed the header at the far post from a 34th minute Loveridge corner ball, before a cross from the visitors hit the side netting back downfield as a result of one of their forwards being put under pressure from Holder on the touchline.

Skittery then brought down a veteran opposing player in midfield, with the resulting free kick being nodded clear by Holder marking the same seasoned Bartestree player, before Bonfield went on to comfortably catch two consecutive cross-shots in what was the first time he had really been troubled by the visitors that afternoon.

Skittery managed to keep hold of the ball while under pressure back upfield to cross it back to Jake Bramley, whose effort saw the ball travel wide of the far post, before the former of these reserves strikers, just not seeming to get the luck that afternoon, rattled the bar in another missed chance to get on the scoresheet before the break.

Bonfield was then called upon to deal with some late first-half danger for the hosts, blocking a threatening close-range effort at the far post following a great cross from the far wing, as Skidmore was swapped for Alex Berry over the break.

Bonfield began the latter half of play by leaping to palm a direct volley from the opposition over the bar, before Loveridge came down in painful-sounding fashion following a Bartestree foul towards the near wing, with Butcher signalling for a substitution to be made at first although with his striker soon returning to the action after briefly exiting to the sideline to receive treatment from his manager.

The free kick awarded to Ledbury was struck by captain Jai Smallwood to be deflected towards Russell as Skittery lunged in just that little bit too late, before a corner ball from the visitors was very well dealt with by the reserves skipper, seizing the ball at the near post and playing it back downfield.

A 55th minute free kick from Loveridge, given after Walker was felled by two opposing defenders on the near sideline, was nodded away by a veteran Bartestree defender for a home corner ball, before a moment of hesitancy on the ball from Skittery in the box saw him instead pass the ball on to Bramley, who was caught unawares but was still able to force the ball out over the near sideline against a visiting defender for a throw-in.

Butcher made three further changes to his squad from his well-staffed subs bench that day, with a limping Alistair Holder being exchanged for Samuel Palmer-Young as Bramley and Hackman came off for Sam Branch and sixteen-year-old Jake Clueit, as the first of these substitute players soon made his presence on the pitch felt by winning a free kick at the edge of the centre-circle, taken by Holder to see an opposing defender give Branch the slip and play the ball back out of the box.

Palmer-Young’s swift 25-yard volley was then caught by Russell, and after a 70th minute Bartestree corner ball was headed by one of their seasoned defenders towards Holder on the far sideline, Walker completed his brace through nodding a superb ball from his team-mate into the net.

Palmer-Young then mis-timed an intended volley to finish a ball that bounced in front of him in the box, before a more threatening follow-up from Branch was denied through a great save from Russell.

Branch couldn’t quite connect with the resulting corner ball at the near post, and after Bramley returned to the action for Loveridge for the final ten minutes, a well-taken corner ball from Skittery was nodded just over the woodwork by Holder to bounce off the top netting.

Bonfield pounced on top of an effort struck past hardworking home man of the match James Kenny as it was heading just shy of the near post, before two final free kicks from the visitors couldn’t provide them with a well-deserved consolation goal, as the first was deflected off the four-man Ledbury wall of Smallwood, Kenny, Holder and Berry to land behind the net, while the second made it over the dual reserves wall but couldn’t be finished.

Butcher was pleased with his side’s performance on the day, although admitted that it took a while for them to hit their stride:

“We didn’t start the game very well, letting the opposition come at us, and we didn’t really test their keeper.”

“It took until the 25th minute for us to finally get to grips with the game, but after we scored two in quick succession, we started to settle down and from there we controlled the game throughout.”

“Back-to-back wins is a good sign, especially when we still haven’t showed what we are really capable of, and so hopefully we can go on a good run now and push up the table.”

“With games still in hand over several other sides in the league, it should be a very interesting end to the season – especially with the teams around our position picking up points as well!”

Butcher’s young squad now move up to seventh place in the league table, as a busy March begins with them travelling to face current ninth place holders Hinton Reserves at Broomy Hill this coming weekend (KO 1:00pm), before playing tenth-placed Burghill Rangers at The Copse the following weekend (KO 2:30pm).

The Ledbury second string will then entertain current second place holders Worcester United in an evening fixture at New Street on Wednesday 16th March (KO 7:30pm), before hosting fifth-placed Tenbury United three days later (KO 2:30pm).

The reserves will be looking for a repeat or better of the 3-1 win achieved the last time they played Hinton at New Street back in early November, when a brace from man of the match Skittery and an additional goal from Callum Blackmore-Davey overcame the sole goal scored for the visitors scored by substitute player Marlone Ransome.

The fortunes of Butcher’s team against Burghill are rather more mixed, with a 1-1 draw resulting at home during the very first game of the season back in early September, when Alistair Holder found the sole goal for Ledbury with Liam Watton scoring for the Rangers.

An 8-5 goal fest to Burghill’s advantage occurred in the quarter-finals of this season’s Ross Cup in early December at The Copse, as star reserves player Bramley notched up a first hat-trick at senior level football to go with goals from Skittery and Matti Holder, as Watton scored a treble and Louis Mann picked up a brace for the Rangers with Jed Mann and substitute players John Brandie and Harry Bosse also finding the net for the hosts, although not without Chad Bryant receiving a yellow card from referee for the occasion Mark Hays.

A 3-3 draw occurred away at Martley Village Hall when Butcher’s squad last played Worcester in early October, when a further brace from Skittery and a goal from Jack Dandy levelled the goals scored by home strikers Matthew Gardner, Rhys Turberfield and Arron Windsor.

The same scoreline also resulted against Tenbury at Palmers Meadow in the Ledbury second string’s penultimate game before the Christmas break, as Skittery and Clueit scored either side of an own goal from the hosts, with Ryan Morris picking up a Tenbury brace and Michael Wood also on target for the blue and yellow shirts, even if team-mates Will Clutterbuck and Aaron Morris were booked by referee J. Cairns.

vs

Ledbury Town Swifts v Ewyas Harold Reserves

Following a 1-1 draw against tenth-placed Tenbury United Colts at the Ledbury Rugby Football Club Ross Road ground, followed by a narrow 3-2 loss to basement boys Dore Valley at the Seven Site, Ledbury Town Swifts continued a mixed February of fortunes in Division Two of the Herefordshire FA County League with a spirited 1-0 home defeat against runaway league leaders Ewyas Harold Reserves.

It was the second time the Ledbury third string had faced the league table toppers this season, after a 2-1 loss resulted at Ewyas Harold’s ground back in early October when goals from Dylan Lloyd and home substitute player Owen Prout overcame the consolation goal scored by Dan Fish.

Alex Williams scored on this occasion for the visitors during the first half at the Ross Road ground, with Jamie Roberts gaining the best chance to equalize after a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper saw the effort from the Swifts’ striker being saved by the Ewyas Harold goaltender.

New caretaker manager of the Ledbury third string Nick Blakeway was voted man of the match after making a number of great saves leading by example in goal, with youngsters Ethan French and Harry Eales also putting in commendable performances.

Swifts assistant coach Nick Bolton was very happy with a solid effort from his side, commenting:

“We were actually disappointed not to get anything from the game. I felt we defended particularly well, and we are now competing in games we previously would have lost convincingly, so it’s a huge improvement, especially from a defensive standpoint.”

The Ledbury third string, eleventh in the table although level on points with Tenbury United Colts just above them following a three-point deduction for Tenbury after failing to fulfil a fixture back in early November, have the luxury of three upcoming home games in March, beginning with a fixture against current sixth place holders Hereford Lads Club Colts at New Street this coming weekend (KO 2:30pm).

The next two Saturdays then see them face fourth-placed Woofferton, and current holders of the second place spot Worcester United Reserves at the Ross Road ground (both games again KO 2:30pm).

The Swifts narrowly lost out 4-3 to Lads Club back in early December at the County Ground, when Andy Abbot picked up a brace with Thomas Burton and Harry Holmans also on target for the city-based outfit, as Alex Berry, Will Brandreth and substitute player Dan Fish found the goals for the visitors.

The Ledbury third string will be hoping for more of an improvement however over the 3-0 loss suffered the last time they played Woofferton at the Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports Club, during only the second league game of the season played in September when Jack Lewis found a double for the hosts and Adam Lewis scored the third goal.

The Swifts also narrowly lost out 3-2 to Worcester at the Jewry Field in early November, when a Harry Lock brace and a goal from substitute player Kieran MacDonald overcame the two Ledbury goals scored by Nat Dunk and visiting substitute player Clayton Hodges.

vs

Hereford Pegasus Reserves v Ledbury Town

The Pegasus captain wins a first-half header against Josh Burns as Ben Febery is shown to the left, with Ledbury man of the match that night Dwayne Tyndale also being visible in the background to the right (📸: Chris Ponter)

Ledbury Town sent a strong message to the Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division in terms of an intended return to the second spot in the league table this week, achieving a convincing 3-1 win against current second place holders Hereford Pegasus Reserves during a chilly Friday evening fixture at Old School Lane.

It was the second occasion in which Ian Merrick’s men had overcome the Pegasus second string this season, following a great 3-2 comeback after going two goals down after an hour of play at New Street back in mid-November when an own goal from the Reserves scored in front of Sam Branch was followed in the space of four minutes by Alistair Holder flicking in a Scott Roberts free kick, with Roberts himself converting a penalty after Tom Boyle was brought down in the box.

The latest meeting between these two upper table rivals saw Boyle add another hat-trick to his impressive goal tally this season following a brace and a further hat-trick scored against Ewyas Harold and Clee Hill United respectively at New Street since the start of the year, even if the hosts provided a brief scare in denying the clean sheet through a 66th minute effort out of the blue.

This fixture under the floodlights on Pegasus’ artificial turf began with a foul from Ben Febery, giving the Reserves a third minute free kick which was struck wide of the near post, before a great opening save from trusty Ledbury goalkeeper James Loader deflected the ball off for a corner which was put just shy of the far post by a home forward.

A well-taken free kick from Febery then skimmed off the head of Boyle in the box to get the black and white shirts off the mark before ten minutes had elapsed, before a great ball from Town’s almost-accidental opening goalscorer flew narrowly past the outstretched foot of Febery in the box in an attempt to repay the favour.

Loader then made a solid stop at the far post as both Nathan Ince and Boyle were denied by a busy Pegasus keeper back across field, with a great run from Josh Burns down the near wing being halted at the far post by three pursuing defenders.

A second foul from the visitors, this time committed by Ince just outside the box, lead to a Reserves striker knocking the ball well wide on a run across from the opposite wing, before further safe hands from Loader to deny a home equalizer were followed by Febery launching in with a solid if physical challenge against the opposing captain to force a throw-in to the Pegasus skipper.

The half-hour mark saw a moment of peril occur for Ledbury when Loader only just managed to prevent the ball from sneaking over the line, before the confidence of the good crowd of away supporters was restored when Boyle fired the ball home to complete his brace, following some good Town play in and around the box which was successful in breaking down the Pegasus defence.

Febery was judged to have committed a further foul by referee for the evening Adrian Rocke, with Ince requiring a bout of spray treatment on the field from Merrick after coming down in midfield before Boyle gained a prime chance at a first period hat-trick, as a scramble for the ball in the box involving the Reserves goaltender resulted in the ball somehow being cleared away.

A long-range effort from the same seasoned visiting striker ended up towards the far corner flag, before the 40th minute saw some solid sustained defensive work from Ledbury captain Tom Trigg, jockeying an incoming striker from the far side of the box to force the ball to be struck over the touchline for a Loader goal kick.

Burns then made another great run back across field, firing the ball to rattle the far post as the home keeper was then forced to leave his line in order to knock the ball away from a rapidly-advancing Febery with a Pegasus defender in hot pursuit, as the deflection landed for Ince on the far wing even if he couldn’t quite take advantage of the opposing goaltender being off his line, as his thirty-yard effort instead flew wide of the target.

The latter half began with a bang as Febery and his Reserves counterpart were involved in a 50/50 aerial challenge a few yards from the away dugout, before Ince came off the worse during an attempted tackle against a home defender on the far wing, requiring further first aid from Merrick as Rocke nevertheless gave the decision Pegasus’ way despite Ince appearing to have gained the ball.

Loader, whom Town owed a fair deal to in terms of keeping the Reserves’ scoreline at bay that evening, then pulled off a further superb save in order to send the ball flying across the front of goal before his defence managed to clear the threat away, with a 55th minute ball then landing for Boyle in the box only to bounce too far off his foot as it ended up with the home goaltender.

Both sides then made first substitutions of the evening, with Lee Marlow coming on for Pegasus as Curt Williams replaced Morgan Skidmore, before Burns was flagged offside by assistant referee Mark Ammonds after receiving a good ball on the far wing.

The visiting defence continued to hold strong, with hardworking Ledbury man of the match that night Dwayne Tyndale nodding the ball safely clear while next to Loader on the line, shortly before the Town keeper himself stopped a second aerial effort from the Reserves as Trigg made another superb challenge in the box.

Ammonds then flagged Ince offside after Boyle fed the ball down the near wing, before a 65th minute effort from the former of the visiting strikers was met with a good save from the home goaltender.

A later cross from Ince saw Febery end up on the floor after just missing the connection at the far post, before the complexion of the game was changed completely when a ball from the opposition came out of nowhere towards the edge of the box to halve their goal deficit.

Boyle took one touch too many in the box as a further effort went wide of the near post, even if it only took another seven minutes for the prolific Ledbury striker to complete his second treble in four games.

Pegasus swiftly reminded Town that they couldn’t afford to rest on their laurels however having restored their double goal advantage, nodding a corner ball off the woodwork in amongst the swarm of players from both sides in the box back downfield, before James Kenny entered the fray for Asten Griffiths for the final ten minutes with David Solway coming on for the Reserves.

The hosts continued to threaten as one of their strikers performed an impromptu yet worthwhile 25-yard effort over the crossbar just after Rocke dodged the ball, before being flagged offside by Geoff Banham running the far sideline as a cross from one of their forwards was put over the frame right in front of Loader.

Harry Waybourne came on as Pegasus’ final substitute player with five minutes left on the clock, followed by both Tom Skittery and Samuel Palmer-Young making late appearances for Ince and Burns respectively, before a thirty-yard effort from the Reserves struck from towards the far wing provided Loader with a relatively comfortable save.

Trigg was given a helping hand from Tyndale to overcome a spot of cramp in the increasingly cold late evening conditions after performing one final solid defensive challenge, as his squad cleared away one final stoppage time assault to seal an important latter half of the season victory.

Despite being defeated by Ledbury during both league meetings this season, Pegasus will have one additional chance to exact revenge on Merrick’s men before the current season is out, as both sides look set to clash once again in the final of the latest Herefordshire FA Charity Bowl cup competition to be played at Old School Lane on a date still to be announced.

Town, who took the silverware back in April 2019 after defeating Holme Lacy with a memorable 3-2 win at Westfields’ allpay.park ground when an 81st minute winner from substitute player Charlie Docherty netted the title, made it to the end stage of this season’s contest following a shock 5-3 win on penalties against runaway Herefordshire League Premier Division leaders Hartpury University, after goals from Burns and King Baidoo left the scoreline hanging at a goal apiece after ninety minutes of play at New Street.

The Reserves booked their place in the final with a 3-2 semi-final victory away at current league seventh place holders Welland on the same day as the dramatic penalty shootout at New Street, with Carl Horton, Jordan Williamson and substitute player Harvey Evans bagging the goals for the visitors.

Ledbury’s latest league win, made even more significant with current league third place holders Hereford Lads Club Reserves being overcome 5-1 at the County Ground by mid-table Clee Hill United the day afterwards, puts them a single point behind both of the city-based sides, crucially retaining two games in hand over Lads Club and three over Pegasus as a fortnight’s break sees them next entertain lowly Holme Lacy at New Street on Saturday 12th March (KO 2:30pm).

Town then visit Welland at the Upton Hill Community Centre the weekend afterwards, before another re-arranged fixture away at basement boys Shobdon, after the original date on the very first day of the current season was cancelled on account of no referee being available and the first re-scheduled date last weekend being postponed owing to the numerous waterlogged pitches created by Storm Eunice, looks set to take place on Saturday 26th March (both games also KO 2:30pm).

Merrick’s squad will be looking for better luck against Holme Lacy after a highly-frustrating goalless draw occurred away in mid-October, three days after thumping defending Herefordshire FA County Challenge Cup holders Lads Club firsts 6-0 at New Street in the opening round of this season’s competition, when goals from Roberts and Ince accompanied braces scored by Boyle and Burns.

Ledbury will then be looking to merely add to the 8-0 demolition of Welland at New Street during the second league game of the season back in mid-September, when a further brace from Boyle, along with goals from Ben Miller, Burns, Febery, Ince and substitute players Charlie Docherty and Williams contributed to the biggest Town victory since their 11-2 home hammering of none other than Pegasus’ reserves side back in November 2017, and the most sizeable win since the 9-1 thrashing of Walsall-based Red Star Alma at New Street back when Ledbury were in Division One of the West Midlands Regional League in February 2013 if the Pegasus fixture is to be discounted due to them pulling out of the Herefordshire League later that season.

Town are yet to lock horns with Shobdon in league play this season due to the aforementioned postponements, but have already recorded a stunning 11-2 thrashing of the bottom table holders during a bitterly cold Charity Bowl cup quarter-final fixture at their aerodrome venue back in late November, when Miller struck four, twenty-year-old George Walker found his first hat-trick at senior level football with the aid of two penalties, and James Febery, Trigg, Roberts and Branch all added to their side’s illustrious scoresheet on the day.

vs
vs

Ledbury Town Reserves v Tenbury Town

Ledbury Town Reserves and Tenbury Town remain yet to lock horns in Division One of this season’s Herefordshire FA County League, after a sustained period of heavy rain at the tail-end of Storm Eunice overwhelmed the pitch at New Street.

David Butcher and Nick Blakeway’s squad, currently maintaining a steady eighth place in the table, instead shift their sights to a second game of the season against Bartestree again at home to end February this coming weekend (KO 2:00pm).

Bartestree will be seeking revenge after first half goals from George Walker and Sam Branch, together with a critical second half save from regular second string Ledbury keeper Zak Bonfield, secured the win for the reserves in their first game of the new year at Bartestree’s ground, even if Harry Gwynne later deprived the visitors of a clean sheet.

vs

Dore Valley v Ledbury Town Swifts

Ledbury Town Swifts received a blow to their Herefordshire FA County League Division Two campaign this week, losing out with a close 3-2 defeat to Dore Valley at the Seven Site in what was only the second victory of the season recorded by the league’s basement boys.

A brace from David Brooke and a further goal from Mark Evans secured a badly-needed win for the hosts after their only other victory so far this season occurred away with a 4-1 win against Credenhill three weeks previously, as goals from Dave Feakins and Jamie Roberts weren’t enough to see the Ledbury third string, under the new management of reserves players Nick Bolton and Charlie Jones, walk away with at least a point for their efforts.

Rio Roberts was named man of the match for a second consecutive game for the Swifts following the 1-1 draw recorded against lowly Tenbury United Colts at the Ledbury Rugby Football Club Ross Road ground last weekend, with Bolton remaining positive despite this latest defeat:

“I felt that the game went really well, with the players definitely growing in confidence with each game. Very windy conditions as well as fitness affected us on the day, but the fact that the lads are clearly getting better and better with each passing week means that we were happy with a tight defeat away from home.”

The Swifts remain tenth in the league with one other chance this month to try and make up ground on the middle of the table, although this will be a tall order with their next opponents being none other than current league leaders Ewyas Harold Reserves, whom Bolton and Jones’ young squad will be entertaining at the Ross Road ground on Saturday 26th February (KO 2:00pm).

vs

Ledbury Town Reserves v Civil Service

Sam Branch nods clear a corner ball from the visitors on the half-hour mark shortly before an opposing striker put the ball well over the bar from 25 yards out on the rebound, with George Hackman and Morgan Skidmore also being pictured either side of Branch (📸: Chris Ponter)

Following back-to-back 2-1 defeats against current Herefordshire FA County League Division One second place holders Ross Juniors HCL and league leaders Fownhope over the last fortnight, Ledbury Town Reserves achieved an extremely useful reverse result at New Street this week in a second victory of the season over league basement boys the Civil Service.

In what was the first time David Butcher and Nick Blakeway’s squad had set foot on their usual home pitch since the 3-1 win against Hinton Reserves back in early November, when man of the match Tom Skittery found a brace, with Callum Blackmore-Davey finding a third as substitute player Marlon Ransome picked up the sole goal for the visitors, it took until the 23rd minute for the Ledbury second string to strike first blood on this occasion as Skittery added a further goal to his impressive tally this season.

The star reserves striker, who also found the net during his side’s previous meeting against the Civil Service at Victoria Park in Hereford, a volatile affair which saw home player Adam White booked and team-mate George Field receive a straight red card, was then instrumental in setting up a further 71st minute goal for Brad Potter, even if the black and white shirts were caught completely off-guard as their opponents lobbed keeper Zak Bonfield seconds from the restart.

A game which otherwise saw the home goaltender needing to do little work, even if his side missed several opportunities to further improve upon their goal difference particularly shooting downhill over the second period, began with a fairly slow opening quarter-hour of play, characterized by a number of controversial offside decisions, most notably against twenty-year-old first team forward George Walker as a Civil Service flag was raised upfield.

Things picked up when a scramble for the ball in the visitors’ box saw Skittery take a tumble next to an opposing defender at the near post, as the corner ball from Walker was struck to sail over players from both sides in the box.

An opening effort from Jake Bramley, not seeming able to find the target that afternoon despite his best efforts, clipped over the crossbar after receiving a better second corner ball from Walker, before Ledbury captain Jai Smallwood, continuing to bear the armband after a popped hamstring suffered during the 2-1 victory away at Bartestree four weeks ago led to usual skipper Nick Bolton taking up management of the third Swifts side with team-mate Charlie Jones, maintained pressure on a Civil Service forward racing down the far wing on the 20th minute, with Alistair Holder being on hand to scuff the cross away in the box, clipping the boot of the intended recipient in the process.

An initial strike from Skittery saw the ball bounce off the near post, even if it didn’t take long for him to atone with a beautiful volley squarely into the back of the net, before a free kick from Bramley was struck against the visiting defence as first teamer Morgan Skidmore mis-struck the ball well wide of the target on the rebound from towards the near wing.

Sam Branch then leapt out to decisively nod a corner ball away on the half-hour mark, with an opposing striker firing the ball well over the crossbar from 25 yards out on the follow-up as a superb cross from Walker back upfield on the far wing met Bramley in the box back upfield, with the volley from the determined striker forcing the Civil Service keeper to have to leap up in order to palm the ball over the woodwork.

The resulting corner ball from home man of the match that day Curt Williams, also bolstering the reserves’ ranks on the day owing to Ledbury’s first team having a week’s grace this weekend to recover after their memorable 5-3 win on penalties in the semi-finals of this season’s Herefordshire FA Charity Bowl cup competition against then-unbeaten Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division title favourites Hartpury University, was struck against the side netting, before a brace for Skittery went begging when he curled the ball narrowly wide of the far post.

Skidmore was then fouled a few yards out from the corner of the box back downfield, before Skittery was denied a further chance at a double via a good challenge from a visiting defender, leaving the ball for Bramley who struck it well wide of the target.

With Kieran Loveridge coming on for Branch over the interval, the opposing keeper was kept busy going into the second period, being forced to save a further effort from Skittery at close range as Walker ran in to sneak the ball wide of the near post, and after Bramley left the action for Branch to return at sixty minutes in with Potter replacing George Hackman, Potter himself received a swift Civil Service greeting in being brought down by a fair challenge towards the near wing.

Smallwood then volleyed the ball well wide and over the frame, with Potter managing to cross the ball in to see the visiting keeper deny Branch at the near post, with the opposing defence continuing to hold firm as a Williams free kick was nodded clear of both Branch and Loveridge in the box.

Potter finished Skittery’s superb ball from the far wing to score what would turn out to be a crucial goal in keeping the three points in the possession of the hosts, before a moment of complacency saw an opportunistic Civil Service outfit race away upfield and put the ball straight over the head of Bonfield to deny a Ledbury clean sheet within moments of the ball being returned to the centre-spot.

With the visitors unexpectedly bringing themselves back in contention with less than twenty minutes to go, the urgency to restore the two-goal buffer didn’t translate into additional marks on the scoresheet for the reserves as three consecutive corner balls were squandered, before the ball then fell neatly for Skittery in the box, even if the goal-hungry home target man was able to connect with the finish, losing his footing while under pressure from the pair of defenders either side of him.

Skidmore’s late free kick from towards the far sideline was then deflected by a member of the opposing back-line as a further Civil Service defender successfully jockeyed Potter down the opposite wing, but as Bramley came back on to replace an injured Holder for the final three minutes, the visitors just couldn’t capitalize on their earlier sudden lifeline to see the reserves being handed the points come referee Simon Burgess’ final whistle.

Butcher was more than satisfied with his side’s win after the unlucky results of the previous fortnight against the league’s top two teams, commenting:

“It was good to get back to winning ways after the last two results. It was a game of two halves though, and we really should have been out of sight in the first half after hitting the woodwork three times.”

“There were numerous further missed chances in the second half, and we did let them come back at us, being caught short with a lack of concentration to allow them to score straight after our second goal was scored.”

“Other than that, we dominated the game throughout, especially in midfield. It was nice to get the win at home, and hopefully we will carry that on into our next two fixtures, which are also taking place at home.”

This latest win keeps the Ledbury second string at a steady eighth place in the table, with their next two New Street fixtures being set to take place against Tenbury Town this coming weekend, who lie only a single point above Butcher and Blakeway’s squad, before the following week sees them entertain Bartestree in a second meeting of the season (both games KO 2:00pm).

Tenbury and the reserves are yet to lock horns this season, while Bartestree will be looking for a better result against Ledbury this time around after first half goals from Walker and Branch, together with a critical second half save from Bonfield, secured the win for the reserves in their first game of the new year at Bartestree’s ground, even if Harry Gwynne later deprived the visitors of a clean sheet.

vs

Fownhope v Ledbury Town Reserves

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.

vs