Under 10s Reports - 2004-05

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 Sat Jun 04: Nunnery Wood Tournament - Final
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Kidderminster Lions  - 3

Swifts put up a brave fight against a talented Kidderminster side but two knock-out ties going to extra time and penalties proved too much as the Lions roared at Nunnery Wood in an excellent tournament in Worcestershire. 10 teams lined up in two groups for the opening mini-league stage, and the Swifts breezed through their first two matches recording wins of 2-1 against Newtown Sports Colts with both goals from Joe Crichard and 1-0 against old rivals Hereford Lads Club through a flawless header from Ben Brown, but they were unlucky to be held to a goal-less draw by Droitwich Dons. The final group match proved the most difficult with a spirited performance from the Barbourne Royals, and while Swifts went ahead with an excellent goal from Joe Crichard, Royals snatched an equaliser in a goalmouth scramble in the final seconds to win the group on goal difference over Ledbury. In their quarter-final, Swifts faced Peopleton Juniors who had come third in their group, and got a shock as they went behind in the second minute. Ledbury fought back with a good move from Brown early in the second half playing Matthew Rooke clear, but as his angle was closed down he passed back to Crichard who fired home for the equaliser. Both sides came close in extra time but it went to penalties; after two good saves by Patrick Merryman, Michael Arlott held his nerve to slot home the winner. Ledbury's 'reward' was a semi-final tie against Barbourne Royals, and again, it was a tight match, but Swifts had the best start with a long goal-kick being picked up by Rooke who played Crichard clear to slot the ball home inside the first minute. Royals came back strongly, but failed to make an impression on the Swifts defence until early in the second half when a long shot from the Royals was deflected home for the equaliser. Again, extra time failed to break the deadlock and again Swifts came out on top as Merryman saved all but one of the Royals' spot kicks. By the time they marched onto the field for the final, Swifts were exhausted having played the equivalent of an extra match compared to their opponents, Kidderminster Lions, who won both their knock-out matches in normal time. Despite taking an early lead, the Lions were held for the rest of the first half by a stoic Ledbury defence, but two goals in two minutes gave them the title. Despite this the Swifts played well and took on some of the best teams in Worcestershire, and were duly congratulated by all the teams' supporters as they picked up their runners-up medals.

Nunnery Wood Tournament results:
Group matches:
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Crichard 2' 5') -- Newtown Sports Colts - 1
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Brown 4') -- Hereford Lads Club - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 0 -- Droitwich Dons - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard 10') -- Barbourne Royals - 1

Quarter Finals:
Kidderminster Lions - 3, Droitwich Dons - 0
Nunnery Wood Lions - 1, Hereford Lads Club - 0
Barbourne Royals - 1, Littleton Juniors - 0
Peopleton Juniors - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard 9') - Swifts win 4-3 on penalties

Semi-Finals:
Kidderminster Lions - 4, Nunnery Wood Lions - 1
Barbourne Royals - 1, Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard 1') - Swifts win 3-1 on penalties


Sat Apr 30: Friendly
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard 1')
Kington Town - 4 (Crowe 17' 35' 36', Price 37')
Three goals in as many minutes were the undoing of Swifts in a match where otherwise they gave Kington a stiff test ahead of their Cup Final appearance next week. Ledbury got off to the best possible start, attacking right from the kick-off; Ben Brown fed the ball through to Joe Crichard who caught the defence napping and slotted the ball through the keeper's legs for Swifts' opener. The visitors responded in kind and laid siege to Ledbury's half, but for quarter-of-an-hour they got nowhere thanks to strong defending from David Nash and David Preece, two fine saves from Patrick Merryman, a goal-line clearance by Peter Dixon and some wayward marksmanship in front of goal. Throughout Swifts tried to extend their lead and Crichard came closest when he hit the post; but from the rebound Kington went back on the offensive and equalised, and almost went two-up a minute later with a lofted shot which Merryman managed to tip out and then collided with the post as he retrieved the ball. James Godsall came on and made a telling save in the dying minutes of the first half to keep it level at half-time. Swifts went back on the attack from the re-start; a shot from Jake Cory went just wide while Brown hit the bar. Then Kington countered strongly and overwhelmed the Swifts defence, scoring three goals in three minutes, but despite this Ledbury continued to fight back; an pinpoint through ball from Anthony Watkins played Matthew Rooke clear but his shot went just wide and moments later a close-range effort from Brown was well saved by the Kington keeper. At the other end Merryman came back on and put in a telling punch to keep Kington out once more and while both sides continued to search for goals right to the whistle this entertaining and competitive match ended 4-1 to the visitors.  

Sat Apr 23: Mini-League Match 3
Westfields - 2 (Hornton 21', OG 35')
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Rooke 34', Preece 45')
Had Swifts won their Vase semi-final last week, Westfields would have been their opponents in the final; as it was they met in a mini-league match which Ledbury would have won easily but for their continued inability to turn well-constructed attacks into actual goals. Five times they hit the woodwork, twice they fired over the bar from close range and to add to their frustration, a mix-up in defence led to an own goal. Swifts had the best start, Joe Crichard rattling the post and pulling a good save from the Westfields keeper in the first two minutes. The home side struggled to contain some good passing play from Michael Arlott, Ben Brown and Matthew Rooke. But with 21 minutes gone their good work began to unravel; Westfields foiled another Swifts attack, countered quickly and Hornton's shot took a deflection to go in. After the break Swifts looked subdued and Westfields began to dominate; but two fine saves from Patrick Merryman, one from a shot just two yards in front of goal, kept Swifts in the game. As the home side became frustrated, Ledbury began to fight back. An excellent through ball from David Nash released Rooke down the right; he took the ball right to the by-line and his cross curled into the top corner of the net. But as Swifts celebrated, Westfields attacked immediately, caught the Ledbury defence and in the confusion, the ball went in off a Swifts player. This time the visitors refused to be bowed; Crichard hit the bar from the halfway line, a moments later won a throw in which David Preece picked up in the Westfields box and chipped it over the keeper for the equaliser. In the dying moments, a powerful low shot from Anthony Watkins forced an excellent save from the Westfields keeper and despite last-gasp efforts from both sides, they were unable to break the deadlock.

Sat Apr 16: Vianen Vase (Supplementary Cup) - Semi-Final
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Brown 44', Crichard 47')
Leominster Minors - 2 (Cornes 13' Griffiths 38')
After extra time - Leominster Minors win 4-3 on penalties
So near and yet so far, Ledbury came back from two goals down to force this Cup semi-final into the tightest of finishes, but despite their heroics the lottery of penalties did not go their way. The two sides began with real purpose and both had early shots on goal which went wide, but Leominster, as League runners-up, began to assert their authority and went ahead with a straightforward cross and volley after 13 minutes. Swifts responded well; a strong shot from Ben Brown was tipped over the bar and a lofted attempt from Michael Arlott rolled along the length of the crossbar but failed to cross the line. Leominster came out after the interval looking to put the game beyond doubt but got a shock when David Nash played Joe Crichard through their defence only to see his shot blocked. The visitors countered quickly but a fine save from Patrick Merryman kept them at bay. Eventually the pressure told halfway through the second period; Leominster caught the Swifts defence off-guard and went two up. Despite that, Ledbury refused to lie down; Brown had another shot saved and then Matthew Rooke went on a run up the right wing, played the ball back from right on the byline and Brown was on hand to fire it  home. Leominster began to show some nerves and moments later Rooke again fired in a cross for Crichard to knock home. Merryman punched a late Leominster shot clear to take the game to extra time and while the first period was quiet, Swifts came within inches of winning when Crichard just knocked another Arlott cross over the bar, while the Swifts defence held on at the back to keep the score level. After winning a penalty shoot-out in the first round, hopes were high, but this time Leominster were on target to go through to the final 4-3 on penalties.

Sat Apr 09: Vianen Vase (Supplementary Cup) - Round 2
FC Phoenix Jets - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Rooke 36')
With these sides having drawn their league encounter and finished the season within two places of each other, a closely-fought contest was always on the cards. Jets started positively with an early move which ended with a shot going wide; Swifts countered quickly with a good run from Joe Crichard on the left wing seeing his shot saved. From then on both sides played some excellent, fluid football, and while the first half remained goalless the game was entertaining and competitive, with Swifts having more of the possession and the best chance in the closing minutes as a Ben Brown corner was volleyed onto the post by Matthew Rooke and the Jets’ keeper managed to hold onto the rebound. Swifts should have gone ahead right from the re-start as Rooke went on a surging run down the wing, but his cross went right across the front of the goal; moments later Crichard fired a shot just over the bar. As the second half progressed Swifts began to dominate, mainly due to some excellent defending from Michael Arlott, David Preece and David Nash who broke down the Jets’ moves and frustrated their forwards, but quickly launched many counter attacks. Eventually this dominance told as Crichard was sent on another strong run on the left by Preece; his cross was met by Rooke who slotted the ball low into the net. Phoenix were unable to respond and as they tried to get back quickly, Swifts could have extended their lead but saw three excellent shots saved by the Jets keeper. The home side threw everything forward in the dying moments to try and get the equaliser but only once did they seriously test Patrick Merryman in the Swifts’ goal, and in the end Rooke’s goal was enough to decide the tie and put Ledbury through to the semi-finals.

Sat Mar 19: Mini-League Match 2
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Rooke 12', Brown 25' 37')
Wellington - 3 (Thomas 5', Horton 24' 27')
Both sides started this match cautiously with an early exchange of midfield play, but the game came alive after just five minutes when Bartestree caught Swifts napping with a lightning break down the right and a solid shot from Thomas which gave the defence and the keeper no chance. They almost doubled their tally two minutes later with another shot which was tipped over the bar by Patrick Merryman. Ledbury responded in kind moments later with a long Merryman goal-kick being picked up by Ben Brown; he passed crisply to Matthew Rooke who broke through the Rangers' defence to fire home Swifts' equaliser. Having got back into the game Ledbury tried to find another goal while at the back Nick Gibbons, David Nash and Michael Arlott began to assert their authority. Ably supported by substitutes Adam Chowdhury and Luke Summers, Rooke and Brown made some telling runs but were denied by some excellent goalkeeping. The frustration told as Swifts were again caught on the break and Horton put Rangers ahead, but Ledbury hit back immediately; a perfectly weighted chip shot from Brown on the right touchline finding the top corner of the net for a second equaliser. Rangers regained the initiative straight after the re-start, Horton again getting behind the Swifts defence to re-take the lead. Again Swifts hit back, David Preece playing a good one-two with Rooke which almost produced a third, while Arlott, Gibbons and Jake Cory kept Bartestree from extending their lead. Swifts' efforts were eventually rewarded as Nash unleashed a long ball forward and Brown beat the defence and the keeper to slot home Ledbury's third. Either side could have snatched a winner in the last ten minutes, with Summers going closest for Swifts, but this entertaining game between two well-matched teams rightly ended all-square.

Sat Mar 12: Mini-League Match 1
Wellington - 1 (Sayce 2')
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Rooke 13' 27')
Ledbury were looking for revenge after losing to Wellington in the league, but had to come from behind after an early strike from Ben Sayce; he was left unmarked to score with the easiest of headers from a second-minute corner. Swifts responded positively and began to take control of the game with Ben Brown, David Preece and Matthew Rooke all going close in the immediate aftermath of Wellington's goal. The Swifts pressure told mid-way through the first half as Brown worked the ball wide to Rooke who spotted the Wellington keeper off his line and deftly chipped the ball over his head for the equaliser. As the game opened up, the home side were happy to let Ledbury come at them and then try to catch them on the break, but Ledbury's defensive line of Jake Cory, David Nash and Michael Arlott learned from their early mistake and gave the Wellington forwards little chance. Meanwhile Swifts were determined to grab the lead, and their chance came just after the break; a thrown-in on the right released Rooke into the Wellington box, and he fired the ball in low from a tight angle to score Ledbury's second. Having taken the initiative, Swifts were keen to put the game beyond reach, but despite causing all kinds of problems for the home defence, they were unable to find the target. Wellington though never gave up, but only once did they work the counter attack fast enough to get through the Swifts' defence, but Patrick Merryman just managed to keep the ball out, and under pressure from two Wellington forwards, kicked the ball clear. Ledbury though continued to search for a third, and in the dying moments Brown was played on for a surging run through the centre of Wellington's defence, but his cracking shot drew a first class save from the home keeper to keep the final score at 2-1.

Sat Mar 05: Vianen Vase (Supplementary Cup) - Round 1
Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Brown 5' 28' 50', Crichard 56')
Dynamo Bartestree - 4 (Langford 2' 42' 43', Mockler 60')
After extra time - Ledbury Swifts win 7-6 on penalties 
Swifts progressed to the second round of the Vianen Vase after a game which became as controversial as it was exciting with 26 penalties being required to settle the tie. It didn’t seem like Swifts’ day when Matt Rooke had a shot saved then Bartestree waltzed through the defence to score in the second minute. Ledbury responded well with Ben Brown converting a Joe Crichard cross to equalise moments later. Both sides had several chances and thanks to a good save from Patrick Merryman in the eighth minute and strong defending from Jake Cory, David Nash, David Preece and Michael Arlott, Swifts went into half-time all-square. Bartestree attacked straight after the re-start but Swifts countered quickly; Anthony Watkins sending Brown on a jinking run which ended with a fine individual goal to take the lead. Crichard followed up with a chip shot which went just over, but Dynamo stuck to their task and two goals in two minutes saw them re-take the lead as the excitement and tension grew. Merryman made another good save with a minute left and from the goal-kick, Crichard played the ball into the Bartestree box and in the scramble Brown fired home making it 3-3 at the end of normal time. It remained level after the first period of extra time, but after the break Crichard sent in a perfectly weighted chip shot which left both the ball and the Bartestree keeper in the back of the net. 4-3 to Swifts, but Bartestree hit back and laid siege to the Ledbury goal, the defence held until the last kick of extra time when Bartestree bundled the ball home to make it 4-4. All square after the first five penalties, meaning a sudden-death shoot-out but with Swifts having their 12th penalty saved, Bartestree needed to score to win; the ball hit the bar, caught Merryman on the back of the head but fell in front of the line. Despite strong protests from the Bartestree officials, the referee ruled it had not gone in; Arlott calmly scored Swifts’ next penalty and Merryman tipped Bartestree’s shot over the bar to win the match.

Sat Feb 25: Friendly
Bromyard Town - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Crichard 7', Arlott 11', Rooke 24' 49', Brown 42' 59')
Both teams made a bright start in the bracing conditions. Swifts settled first with good runs from Ben Brown, Matt Rooke and Joe Crichard. It was one of those surging runs up the left from Crichard which left him in space at the edge of the box; he sent speculative shot low towards the goal, and it managed to squirm through the keeper’s fingers and legs for Swifts’ opener. Moments later Crichard turned provider with a strong cross from the left being met by Michael Arlott who volleyed home decisively for the second. Bromyard though began to settle and started to catch Swifts on the break, but Ledbury’s defence of David Preece, David Nash, Frazer Williams and Nick Gibbons gelled well and held firm; only once did a Bromyard forward evade them and his well hit short-range shot was tipped down by Patrick Merryman at full stretch and he managed to pounce on the ball right on the line to make a fine save. Swifts hit back with another Crichard cross which was tapped in by Rooke just before half time. James Godsall took over in goal for the second half, but never really looked under pressure as Swifts continued to dominate. Jake Cory, Luke Summers and Anthony Watkins worked hard in midfield creating chances one of which won a free kick on the edge of the Bromyard area; Brown hit the target with a lofted shot which left the Town defence no chance. Minutes later a good run by Cory put Rooke clear to run the ball in for Swifts fifth, while in the closing moments, Watkins sent Brown on a surging run past three defenders to slot the ball home to make it 6-0.
 
Sat Feb 19: Friendly
Ledbury Swifts U9s - 2 (Day 26', Broughton 34')
Ledbury Swifts U10s - 5 (Crichard 22' 29', Watkins 25', Brown 38', Rooke 40')
With both teams needing match practise ahead of Cup games next week, especially the U9s who face a tough semi-final against Pegasus Juniors, this friendly was designed to test both sides. Despite the age gap, the U9s’ enthusiasm and commitment made for an exciting, open game, and in the first half they gave as good as they got and could have taken the early advantage when Jack Pritchard’s short range shot was kept out by an excellent reflex save from U10s’ Patrick Merryman. While both defences worked hard, at the other end Matthew Rooke saw his low shot rebound off the post, while a rifling shot from Joe Crichard was tipped onto the bar by U9s’ Jonathan Gooch. Deservedly it was level at half-time, but two minutes after the re-start a good passing movement from Rooke to Brown opened up the U9 defence and Crichard was played on to score the U10s’ opener. Moments later Rooke played provider again as he squared a Crichard throw-in towards Anthony Watkins who slotted it low into the corner of the net for his first goal for the Swifts. The U9s though hit back quickly,, winning a corner on the left and the cross was drilled home by Archie Day. Both sides stepped up a gear as their passing became more fluid; Brown put Crichard through in midfield and he put in a jinking run past three defenders before beating Gooch for the U10s’ third. Again the U9s came back as Day broke free again and his shot was tipped over by Merryman for a corner, only to see Tyler Broughton meet the cross with a decisive volley into the back of the net. Despite staying with the game, it was obvious the U9s were tiring, and two late goals from Brown and Rooke made it 5-2. Although this final scoreline slightly flattered the older players, both sides should be applauded for such an entertaining and closely-contested game.

Sat Feb 12: League Match 19
Kington Town - 6 (Goody 3' 13', Crowe 16' 40', OG 10', Price 26' (pen)) 
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Rooke 6' 19', Crichard 43')
With rain lashing down, Kington chasing the play-offs and Swifts playing for pride, it was always going to be difficult but in the end, three unlucky goals gave this tie away. The first came after three minutes; a Kington long shot was brought down by keeper Patrick Merryman, but squirmed from his grasp and was knocked into the net by Crowe. Swifts regrouped, winning a free kick in their opponent’s half just minutes later; Ben Brown’s excellent shot clattered off the bar and Matthew Rooke fired it home. Then Swifts suffered their second blow; a Kington cross from the left was deflected in off a Ledbury defender. Town seized their chance; a searching run by Goody saw his shot go in off the post, moments later another long ball found Crowe goal-hanging again to put away Kington’s fourth. Swifts though continued to battle away and won a corner on the left; the cross was controlled well by Rooke who knocked it in to keep their hopes alive. 4-2 at half-time but Swifts’ luck failed again immediately after the break; Merryman came off his line to a Kington forward who made a meal of the challenge to win a penalty which was slotted home by Price. Still Swifts searched for a way back into the game; David Nash, Jake Cory and David Preece tightened up in defence reducing Kington to long shots only. There was nothing they could do about Town’s sixth though, a lofted free kick which evaded everyone and found the top corner of the net. Swifts fought on and were rewarded moments later when Anthony Watkins sent Joe Crichard on a surging run through the heart of Town’s defence to slot the ball away for Swifts third. Crichard was denied another after being brought down in the box but the referee waved play on and eventually Swifts ran out of time after an exciting, hard-fought match in difficult conditions. 

Sat Feb 05: Friendly
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Bromyard Town - 0
After four good wins on the trot, Swifts’ old frailties up front came back to haunt them with another match where they should have had a hat-full of goals but for the problem of actually finding the target, and was not helped by a determined Bromyard defence and a goalkeeper who was on top of his game. From the whistle Ledbury swarmed forward winning a corner in the opening seconds; Ben Brown’s cross was confidently punched away and while David Preece supplied an excellent ball back into the box, Joe Crichard was just unable to reach it and from the clearance Bromyard countered quickly but were kept at bay by David Nash and Michael Arlott. So the pattern of the game was set; Swifts playing a positive attacking game with good passing moves between Crichard, Matthew Rooke and Ben Brown, excellent crosses and through-balls being supplied into the box only for the final shot to go wide, off the woodwork or be dealt with by the Bromyard keeper. Town for their part stuck to their task and defended well, catching Swifts on the break but only once really testing Ledbury keeper Patrick Merryman. Swifts brought on Anthony Watkins after 15 minutes and moments later he sent a good ball up the right wing to Rooke who fought off two defenders to put in a telling cross only to see Brown’s volley shave the crossbar. The second half saw both managers agree to increase each side to eight so everyone got involved but the extra personnel only seemed to make both defences more impenetrable and while Swifts again created some good chances, none were put away. In the end time ran out leaving both sides with honours even and despite the lack of goals this was an entertaining and exciting game, but Swifts know they will have to get back into the habit of scoring if they are to get anything from their final League match at Kington on Saturday.

Sat Jan 29: Friendly
Ledbury Swifts Rangers - 1 (Summers 22')
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Crichard 7', Rooke 12' 14', OG 26', Preece 40', Merryman 50')
With both U10 teams having no league commitments they kept up their momentum with an entertaining friendly at Ross Road. Both sides started well and it took a free kick in the Rangers' half to break the deadlock; a well-struck shot from Joe Crichard just evaded James Godsall's reach and flew into the top corner of the net. Rangers replied quickly with a good run from Frazer Williams and Luke Summers which won a corner, but this was quickly cleared by Jake Cory to Michael Arlott who set up another run for Crichard; he squared the ball inside to Matthew Rooke who chipped it over Godsall's head for number two. Moments later Crichard had another shot blocked well by Godsall, only for Rooke to latch onto the rebound for the third. Rangers refused to give up and countered quickly but their attack was foiled by Anthony Watkins who fed the ball back out to Rooke; he squared to David Nash who let fly with a stinging long-range shot which pulled out an excellent save from Godsall. Moments later Rangers won a free kick in the Swifts half; Williams' cross was deftly volleyed home by Summers to make it 3-1 at half-time. Rangers' resurgance was dealt a blow one minute after the break when a Crichard corner was deflected into the net by a defender to make it 4-1 but their determination saw a good period of even play with shots from Williams and Heather Brittan pulling good saves from Patrick Merryman. With ten minutes left Rangers were caught on the break; David Preece played a neat one-two with Rooke before firing the ball home for number five. Swifts swapped keepers for the last few minutes and Rangers were unlucky not to get a second after a corner; despite a goalmouth scramble and three shots, they were unable to increase their tally. From the clearance Swifts won a corner which was turned just wide by Merryman, but he got on the score-sheet in the dying moments after another break in midfield saw him left unmarked in the box and he slotted Rooke's cross home for Swifts' sixth. Final score 6-1 but an entertaining and battling performance from both sides.

Sat Jan 22: League Match 18 
Ledbury Swifts - 13 (Brown 6' 12' 13' 23' 26' 32', Rooke 7' 39', Crichard 16' 27' 30' 49', Nash 22') 
Golden Valley Juniors - 0 
Swifts racked up their best result ever against a sporting Golden Valley side who were unlucky to come away from Ross Road with nothing to show for their efforts. The opening minutes saw some good end-to-end play, but Ledbury quickly got into their stride and Ben Brown opened the scoring after Matthew Rooke intercepted a wayward goal-kick. Moments later Joe Crichard went on a strong run down the left, his cross was met by Rooke who volleyed the ball home. After only 12 minutes Swifts went three up when another Crichard run and shot was blocked, and Brown was on hand to net the rebound. A minute later Brown got his hat-trick when he volleyed home another good cross from Crichard, who scored himself three minutes later from a Brown corner on the right. Five minutes later another corner from Brown was met perfectly by the head of David Nash who gave the visiting keeper no chance, and Brown picked up another blocked Crichard shot to make it seven at half time. Swifts continued to plunder goals from the re-start; a good turn and shot from Brown followed by a two excellent goals from Crichard to claim his hat-trick and another volley from Brown made it 11 (and gave him his double hat-trick) with only seven minutes of the second half gone. Despite this Golden Valley stuck to their task and tried to get a consolation, with some good passing play in midfield, but despite this they couldn't get past David Preece, Jake Cory and Michael Arlott in the Ledbury defence. With 10 minutes left Brown had a shot saved and it was Rooke's turn to pick up the rebound for number 12. Golden Valley had their best chance with five minutes to go; a free kick on the edge of the Swifts' box which was hit well but just went over the bar. Moments later it was keeper Patrick Merryman's turn to be provider as his long goal-kick was picked up by Crichard on the edge of the visitor's box and volleyed home for Swifts 13th in the last minute. A commanding and comprehensive performance from Swifts against a battling Golden Valley side who should be applauded for never giving up despite the scoreline.

Sat Jan 15: League Match 17 
Hereford Lads Club Colts - 1 (Price 22')
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Arlott 1', Crichard 19', Rooke 26' 40' 43', Brown 34') 
Ledbury attacked from the kick-off with a good run and shot from Matthew Rooke going just over the bar; the resulting goal-kick was intercepted by David Preece who played Michael Arlott into the box and he fired home from an acute angle to get Swifts' opener within 90 seconds. Those opening moments summed up the majority of the game; Ledbury dominating and pressing forward whenever possible, while the Colts were reduced to trying to catch them on the break, although David Nash, Arlott, Preece and debutant Jake Cory dealt with almost all Colts' forays very effectively. After going ahead, Ledbury quickly tried to extend their lead, with some excellent passing play and chances for Joe Chrichard, Ben Brown and Rooke, while the Colts' keeper played very well to deny them further advantage. This deadlock was broken after 19 minutes; the home side failed to clear a Ledbury corner, Rooke played the ball back into the box and Crichard knocked it under the keeper for the second. Hereford continued to make a fight of it and at the end of the first half won a corner; Ledbury were caught ball-watching as Colts' Shaun Price volleyed home to keep his side's hopes alive. Any fightback though was effectively ended seconds after the re-start when, from a Patrick Merryman goalkick, Preece again lofted the ball into the box and Rooke ran on and pushed it home for Swifts' third. With dominance restored, Ledbury began to play some fluid football; Brown flighted an agile chip over the keeper for the fourth while a Crichard shot was blocked and Rooke was on hand to net the rebound for the fifth. Three minutes later the keeper fumbled another Crichard shot and Rooke was again there to tap the ball home for a deserved hat-trick. Colts never let their heads drop, they stayed in the game and managed to pull a good save from Merryman in the dying moments, but in the end Ledbury came away with another solid win.

Sat Jan 08: League Match 16 
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Brown 17' 26', Rooke 30') 
Hinton - 0
After a disappointing end to 2004 Swifts began the New Year with a convincing win over a team five places and six points above them in the League. Ledbury kicked-off the match playing into a strong blustery wind which both teams took some time to come to terms with. Swifts settled first and caught Hinton on the break; a good shot from Joe Crichard going just wide. From then on the visitors were never allowed to settle and good passing play between Crichard, Ben Brown, Matthew Rooke and Michael Arlott maintained the pressure while any breaks were quickly dealt with by David Nash and David Preece. After 17 minutes a battling run from Crichard won a corner on the left and while the initial cross was cleared, Brown won the ball back pulling it inside to Rooke who played Crichard into the box; he side-footed the ball back to Brown who deftly buried it in the back of the net for Ledbury's opener. Hinton attacked right from the kick-off with probably their best chance of the game; a low long-range shot which brought out a fine, diving save from Patrick Merryman. Ledbury then re-asserted their dominance and after the interval, with the wind at their backs, they plundered two quick goals which put the game beyond doubt: Seconds after the whistle a long Merryman goal-kick found Crichard who went on another run, and while his initial shot was saved, the keeper fumbled the ball and Brown was on hand to knock it home. Minutes later Crichard put another cracking shot just wide and from the goal-kick Rooke went on a run down the right and slotted a long shot under the keeper for Ledbury's third. Swifts could have had more, but for some stoic work by the Hinton keeper and try as they might playing into the wind, the visitors never got back into the game enough to threaten even a consolation goal. This was the Swifts back to their imposing best and they fully deserved this victory.

Sat Dec 18: League Match 15 
Weobley - 1 (Catada 34') 
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Rooke 21') 
"It's a long way to go for just a point." Manager Nick Brown summed up Swift's performance after another game which saw them dominate the match but fail to convert their possession into goals. Swifts started well with a good run from Ben Brown and an unselfish cross to Matthew Rooke which was just cut out by the Weobley keeper. From the goal-kick David Preece sent back a lofted shot which needed another good save, then Michael Arlott sent in a cross which shaved the cross-bar. Weobley worked hard to keep the Swifts at bay but the midfield continued to cause problems and Joe Crichard especially put in several telling runs which left the home defence standing. Despite that long-suffering Swifts-watchers began to get the feeling that once again, this was to be a frustrating experience, as attack after attack bore no fruit. Ledbury won several corners but it was eventually from one of these that the deadlock was broken after 21 minutes; a perfectly-struck corner from Brown was met decisively by Rooke who headed the ball home. Weobley tried to snatch an equaliser just on half-time but were foiled by an excellent diving save from Patrick Merryman. Swifts deserved their lead and continued to search for more goals after the interval; Luke Williams sending Crichard on a blistering run up the right wing, he squared the ball to Brown who then beat three defenders to leave himself with a clear shot on goal, only to see it ricochet off the post. Weobley, sensing Swifts' weakness in front of goal, started to push forward; for once Ledbury failed to clear their lines and in the scramble Peter Catada managed to toe the ball home for the equaliser. Swifts went back on the attack, creating more chances, the best coming from David Nash whose long range shot pulled out a good save, but in the end they had to settle for the draw. In creating 31 chances to Weobley's four, Swifts should have won this comfortably but once again, their inability to score against lower-placed opposition means their chances of making the play-offs have now all but disappeared. 

Sat Dec 11: League Match 14 
Ledbury Swifts - 0 
Ross Juniors - 3  
With mince pies and mulled wine on offer to spectators there was a festive feeling to this match which was switched to Much Marcle because of the visit of the Rugby World Cup to Ledbury RFC’s Ross Road headquarters. On the pitch though, Ross Juniors were giving nothing away and while Swifts put pressure on them from the start, the visitors countered strongly, first with a shot over the bar then with another past the post. Ten minutes into the game, Swifts fought back; Matthew Rooke was left one-on-one with the Ross keeper, but a good shot by Rooke was equalled by an excellent save. Ross went on the attack again and Swifts were forced to concede a corner, a good cross was met with a purposeful header which left the Ledbury defence no chance and Ross were one up. Solid defending by David Nash, David Preece and Michael Arlott along with good goalkeeping from Patrick Merryman ensured Ross had to work for their chances and good attacking play from Ben Brown, Joe Crichard and Matthew Rooke kept the visitors on their toes for the remainder of the first half. Ross pushed forward quickly after the interval, and Luke Williams went on to replace the injured Rooke; he settled down quickly, laying off two good passes for the Swifts’ forwards. The play went from end-to-end with some good attacking play from both sides, and a good shot from Crichard and a header from Arlott both just went past the post. Ross countered strongly and a well-placed shot found the corner of the net to put them two up. Then in the last few minutes a good pass from midfield put a Ross forward clear of the Swifts’ defence and he jinked round keeper Merryman to slot the ball home. A good all round performance from Swifts and while they kept Ross at bay for much of the game and had their own chances to score, in the end they were unable to match the league leaders who maintained their 100% record. 

Sat Dec 04: League Match 13 
Ledbury Swifts Rangers - 0 
Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Brown 5' 8', Arlott 7', Nash 41') 
Three goals in three minutes settled this derby early on, but Rangers fought back strongly to ensure the match did not turn into a rout. Swifts laid siege to the Rangers' goal for the first ten minutes, and good passing play between Ben Brown, Matthew Rooke, Michael Arlott and David Preece led to a shot on goal within the first minute. After three failed attempts on goal, Brown got round the Rangers' defence and squared the ball to Rooke; his shot was blocked by James Godsall, but Brown followed up to tap home for Swifts' first. Rooke also created the second after a good through ball from Luke Williams sent him on an excellent jinking run down the right wing, again his shot was saved, and this time Arlott was on hand to net the rebound. A minute later Arlott was put clear by David Nash and turned provider with an inch-perfect cross which was volleyed home by Brown. At this point Rangers would have been forgiven for letting their heads drop, but while Swifts continued to move the ball around well and make attempts to increase their lead, Rangers quietly re-organised and began to get the measure of the Swifts' attack. It was after the interval that they had their best spell of play; Frazer Williams and Peter Dixon defended robustly, while Godsall continued to deny the Swifts in goal. Seven minutes into the second half, Heather Britton left the Swifts defence standing and let fly a stinging shot which Swifts' keeper Patrick Merryman had to go full stretch to keep out. Rangers continued to look for the chance to break, while Swifts continued to be foiled up front, until they won a corner with nine minutes left; Brown's kick was blocked, Rangers failed to clear, and in the scramble, Nash knocked the ball home. Rangers continued to fight for a goal right to the end, winning two late corners, but it was Swifts who ran out the winners, 4-0.  


Sat Nov 27: League Match 12 
Ledbury Swifts - 0 
FC Phoenix Sharks - 1 (Rawcliffe 18') 
For the fourth time this season Swifts faced opposition they should have overcome, but were left pointless after failing to convert chances into goals. Sharks took the game to Ledbury from the kick-off, forcing two early corners, but some robust defending from Davids Preece and Nash kept out the visitors and then sent Ben Brown on a fine run which brought out a good save from the Phoenix keeper. Then it was Swifts' turn to pressure their opponents with some good passing play which put Joe Crichard clear, but his shot went just wide. Sharks countered quickly and got round the Ledbury defence, but keeper Patrick Merryman was quick off his line and forced them to shoot wide. Ledbury continued to try and take control, with good passing between Brown, Crichard and Matthew Rooke, but after 18 minutes they were caught on the break again; Sharks made a good run down the left wing and their forward Ed Rawcliffe was left unmarked to volley the cross home. Swifts responded positively to the goal and began to force the pace as they went in search of an equaliser. After the interval an excellent through ball from Michael Arlott put Brown clear, he crossed to Rooke whose shot was well saved. From the goal-kick Sharks countered quickly, but while they forced some corners, Swifts' defenders Preece, Arlott and substitute Luke Williams held firm; only once did the visitors really look like extending their lead, but their stinging long-range shot was turned away by Merryman diving full-stretch to keep Swifts in the game. The home side created several chances and looked the most likely to score, but they were frustrated by good goalkeeping and their recurring inability to find the killer touch when it mattered. Eventually they were beaten by the clock; the final whistle ending an exciting and well-played match from which Swifts should have had more, but ended up with nothing.

Sat Nov 20: League Match 11 
Bartestree Dynamo - 4 (Langford 24', Mockler 27', Fennesy 29', Keetch 45') 
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard 35') 
Swifts suffered their heaviest ever competitive defeat in a match which was played in the most appalling conditions and really should have been abandoned before kick-off. Ledbury knew it was going to be tough as the snow settled on the pitch and they probably realised it was not to be their day when a penalty they were awarded for handball after three minutes went wide of the mark. Despite the freezing conditions, Swifts had the run of the first half, putting together some good passing moves, and were unlucky not to make up for their early missed opportunity. After confusion about timing, which led to 'extra' time being tagged onto a shortened first half, Ledbury were caught on the break and a low shot from Langford gave Bartestree the advantage on the stroke of half-time. Two goals in two minutes straight after the interval sealed the points for the home side, and the Swifts’ heads started to drop as conditions worsened and the cold started to bite on hands and faces. Despite that there were still some battling performances; Joe Crichard made several telling runs, supported by Matthew Rooke, Ben Brown and substitute Luke Williams. One of these kept Ledbury in the fight; Crichard left the Bartestree defence standing as he charged down the left wing and gave the home keeper no chance. Buoyed by this the defence made amends for their earlier lapses with Michael Arlott, David Preece and David Nash standing firm as Bartestree tried turn their advantage into a rout, and Patrick Merryman pulled off two spectacular saves to keep Swifts in the game. But the cold began to take its toll and with a shortage of substitutes, Swifts were reduced to five players at one point, and their determination to pull back the deficit left them vulnerable to the break, and they were caught again with five minutes left as Bartestree took advantage of their superior numbers and put the game beyond reach. 

Sat Nov 13: League Match 10 
Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Preece 2', Rooke 28', Crichard 38' 47') 
Belmont Hawks - 2 (Mills 6', Watkins 18') 
Swifts made their intentions known early with an attack from the kick-off which saw Ben Brown's shot just clip the crossbar. Moments later a Joe Crichard corner was cleared by Belmont's defence but from the halfway line David Preece lofted a shot back towards goal; the keeper failed to control it and the ball slipped into the net for Swifts' opener. Hawks came back strongly; a move from the kick-off produced a stinging shot which pulled a good save from Patrick Merryman. Swifts attacked from his goal kick but were caught on the break; a melee ensued in the Ledbury goalmouth and Daniel Mills managed to push the ball home for Belmont's equaliser. Swifts immediately resumed their attack with fluid passing between Crichard, Brown, Matthew Rooke and Michael Arlott, but frustratingly none of the chances they created was converted. Swifts' defence pushed up and Hawks' James Watkins was left unmarked to push a long clearance beyond Merryman to take Belmont into a half-time lead against the run of play. Swifts re-grouped, determined to turn the game around again; another attack from kick-off saw Brown's shot tipped away but his corner was deftly controlled by Rooke and knocked into the net for the equaliser. Hawks countered quickly and thought they had regained the lead moments later; a shot ricocheted off the post behind Merryman but David Nash showed composure to clear it off the line. Swifts began to pile on the pressure but again several chances went begging and they hit the post twice. Moments later another Ledbury corner was blocked but Crichard struck the ball back through a crowded box for Ledbury's third. Unlike earlier matches, Swifts didn't rest on their laurels and created more chances with some good passing play. With three minutes left a goal-kick was charged down by Brown, the ball went out to Crichard on the left wing who unleashed a perfect 25-yard curling shot which left the Hawks' defence and keeper absolutely no chance, and sealed an excellent, fighting victory for Swifts, 4-2.

Sat Nov 06: League Match 9 
Bromyard Town - 0 
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Brown 1' 38', Rooke 40') 
Keen to bounce back after last week's defeat, Swifts attacked right from the kick-off; a Michael Arlott throw-in was headed into the box by Matthew Rooke and met by Ben Brown whose volley flew in off the post after just 38 seconds. The visitors spent the rest of the half fighting against the mud and the slope to try and extend their lead, knowing a mistake could see Bromyard break down the hill to try and even the match. While the home side tried, Arlott and fellow defenders David Nash and David Preece put in a strong performance to cut off most of their efforts. Ledbury should have extended their lead with good passing between Joe Crichard, Brown and Luke Williams creating several chances; Rooke had a good header saved, and then turned provider for Williams whose shot was blocked. As half-time drew close, Bromyard countered quickly from a clearance and a low stinging shot went in which Ledbury keeper Patrick Merryman tipped away at full stretch to keep Swifts ahead at the break. The visitors renewed their pressure after the interval with Brown forcing another save and both Crichard and Rooke going within inches of scoring. Two goals in three minutes sealed the result though. The first came from a corner which was only cleared to Preece; his ball back into the box found Crichard on the byline and he unselfishly knocked it back for Brown to slot home. Moments later Brown did the same from a Crichard throw-in to provide a simple chance for Rooke. The last ten minutes could have seen the match turn into a rout as there were more chances for Crichard, Williams, Brown and Arlott, but despite being 3-0 down, Bromyard defended well and refused to give up right to the final whistle.

Sat Oct 30: League Match 8 
Ledbury Swifts - 0 
Westfields - 1 (OG 26') 
Last season Westfields finished bottom of the league and after Swifts put in one of their best performances last week at Lads Club, they returned to their frustrating worst, playing good football but failing to convert possession into goals. Ledbury were positive from the kick-off and mounted some strong attacks early on with good running and passing between the forwards; Ben Brown and Joe Crichard linking up well and Michael Arlott providing good support from midfield. Ledbury should have been two-up inside 15 minutes; a strong run from Matthew Rooke put Brown clear with only the goalkeeper to beat, but his shot went wide. Moment later a looping cross from Arlott was sent over the bar by Crichard. All the time Westfields' confidence grew and they began to catch Swifts on the counter-attack, but while good defending from David Nash and David Preece kept them mostly at bay, a melee in the goalmouth on half-time saw the defence caught in the mud and keeper Patrick Merryman managing to grab the ball to keep it all square. The home side fell asleep at half-time; within moments of the re-start they were caught on the break and a shot from the edge of the box took a deflection to leave Merryman no chance. Swifts responded well, building some solid opportunities, but while Crichard and Rooke went close, Brown was brought down in the box only to see play waved on. Westfields though remained dangerous and could have doubled their score with 10 minutes left, but for a fine diving save from Merryman which kept Ledbury's hopes alive. Despite that Swifts were unable to make their pressure pay and ran out of time, the defeat leaving them in the bottom half of the table. Next Saturday's fixture against Kington has been re-arranged due to their Cup commitments so Swifts will travel to Bromyard instead.

Sat 23 Oct: League Match 7
Hereford Lads Club - 1 (Watkins 28')
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Rooke 4', Crichard 36')
Another 2-1 result but this time Ledbury were deserving winners in a wet, muddy but entertaining encounter on Widemarsh Common. Swifts posted their intent to bounce back from three defeats with an attack from the kick-off, but Ben Brown's well-struck shot was just kept out by the keeper. Minutes later Brown's excellent corner was met by Matthew Rooke who made no mistake from short range to grab an early lead. Lads Club responded strongly only to be held at bay by robust defending from David Preece, David Nash and Michael Arlott; all had better luck clearing the ball upfield to Joe Crichard, Brown and Rooke who put together some good passing runs to keep the Hereford defence busy, but were unlucky not to increase their lead; Brown forcing another good save, while all three saw shots go just inches wide. The home side's determination paid off just after the interval; they caught Ledbury on the break and while the initial shot was well blocked by Swifts' keeper Patrick Merryman, he was trampled by a rush of Hereford players who bundled the ball home for a scrappy equaliser. Swifts though responded positively with telling runs from Rooke and Arlott, and the winner came in stark contrast to the Lads Club goal; from a throw-in on half-way, Rooke fed the ball inside to Brown, he unselfishly laid it on for the unmarked Crichard who unleashed an unstoppable left-foot shot from the edge of the box. Lads Club claimed an equaliser after a good Merryman save slipped free in the goalmouth before he recovered it safely, but it clearly never crossed the line, and they continued to harass the Swifts defence in what became a very scrappy finale. Ledbury defended well and both Crichard and Brown came close to putting the game beyond doubt, but they duly held on despite the sudden appearance of almost six minutes of stoppage time. Swifts will be hoping to continue their resurgence on Saturday at home to Westfields.

Sat 16 Oct: League Match 6
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Rooke 47')
Wellington - 2 (Jennings 36', Skinner 44')
A third defeat in a row for Swifts, another match they didn’t deserve to lose, and another they could have won handsomely had they been able to find the goal. Despite that, this was a well-played match between two similar sides who provided some excellent football. Wellington had the best of the early play making the Ledbury defence work hard, but their finishing lacked bite and any shots were easily picked off by Swifts’ keeper Patrick Merryman. The home side took some time to get into their stride, but when they did they saw shots from Joe Crichard, David Preece and Matthew Rooke all fall to good saves from the Wellington keeper, while in the last minute of the first half a Ledbury corner led to goal-mouth scramble which saw three separate shots taken but the ball frustratingly stayed out of the goal before going wide of the target. All square at half-time and after the re-start Ledbury rallied well and put together some excellent passing play. From a Wellington corner a good clearance from David Nash found Ben Brown who fed Rooke out on the right wing; his cross was volleyed agonisingly wide by Crichard. Moments later another good run from Michael Arlott got behind the visitors’ defence, he crossed to Brown whose shot was saved. The turning point came halfway through the half; Wellington won a corner against the run of play and Jennings’ volley found the top corner of the net. Ledbury tried to respond quickly but minutes later were caught on the break and Skinner’s shot just squeezed under Merryman for Wellington’s second. Swifts rallied again and after another good run involving Arlott and substitute Luke Williams, Rooke was on hand to slot the ball home after Brown’s initial shot was saved. Ledbury maintained the pressure, but again ended up disappointed with nothing to show for their effort.

Sat 09 Oct: Mailes Cup Round 1
Leominster Minors - 2 (Griffths 40', Phillips, 47')
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Swifts crashed out of the Cup at the first hurdle against the team they held to a draw in their season opener. For the first ten minutes, Ledbury held their own in an open, well-played match which was entertaining and exciting. Both sides had chances on goal and the early advantage could have gone either way. Ben Brown, David Preece and Matthew Rooke combined well to force a good save from the Minors’ keeper, while at the other end a stinging shot at the top left-hand corner of the Swifts goal was kept out by an excellent save by Patrick Merryman. However as time wore on Leominster’s superiority in communication and organisation began to show and while Ledbury defended deeply, with some excellent work by Joe Crichard, David Nash and Michael Arlott, the shots began to come thinker and faster and without more heroics from Merryman, Swifts could have been three or four down by half-time. As it was they went into the interval all square, but continued Leominster pressure after the re-start made a goal inevitable. Ledbury continued to defend well and tried to counter-attack, but increasingly passes were struck in hope rather than directed towards players and forwards Luke Williams and Brown had to fall back to try and help retain possession. It was telling that Swifts' best chance came from a long lofted shot from Arlott which only just went wide. Leominster continued to press and with ten minutes left, a good cross found Josh Griffiths unmarked in the box, and he slotted the ball home. Ledbury tried to counter, Williams and Brown cutting though the defence to set up Rooke who again forced a good save. Leominster sealed their victory with three minutes left; another close shot from Lewis Phillips taking a deflection into the net. A disappointing result but unlike last week’s surprising defeat, one which went to form, and Swifts will be looking to bounce back when their League campaign resumes against Wellington on Saturday.

Sat 02 Oct: League Match 5
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard 48')
Pencombe - 2 (Thomas 21', OG 24')
Pencombe came to Ledbury on the back of two heavy defeats, including a 14-0 drubbing by Leominster, and they would have suffered a similar result here had the Swifts simply been able to find the net. The home side really should have been three up in the first five minutes but David Preece and Michael Arlott saw their shots saved and Matthew Rooke’s went just wide. Ledbury dominated the game and won several corners, but again were unable to convert them, and while the Swifts’ frustration grew, they became disorganised leaving themselves vulnerable to a counter-attack. With 21 minutes gone, the inevitable happened; the defence pushed up too far, Pencombe’s Joe Thomas broke free with the ball in his own half, and as Ledbury ‘keeper Patrick Merryman came off his line, Thomas chipped him neatly for the opener. Swifts attacked again, but despite another good build up the shot went just wide. Moments later they gave away a free kick just inside their half. It was struck well, but took a deflection off a Ledbury defender leaving the ‘keeper no chance. 2-0 down at half time, and Ledbury did their best to pick themselves up after the re-start but as they continued to apply the pressure, the visitors defended robustly. Rooke hit the bar, Brown went wide and had more shots saved, and it began to look like Ledbury would never get the ball in the net. With two minutes to go, Brown put in a good cross, debutant Luke Williams laid it off for Joe Crichard who fired the ball home. But it was too little, too late, and Swifts will be wondering just how this one got away when they dominated the play so completely. 

Sat 25 Sep: League Match 4
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Brown 27' 39', Rooke 31' 44', Preece 33' 34')
Belmont Falcons - 0
A definite game of two halves; despite Swifts dominating both of them, all the goals came after the interval. Ledbury went on the attack right from kick-off with Ben Brown drawing a solid save from the Falcons’ goalkeeper. With good partnerships between Joe Crichard and David Preece on the left, and Matthew Rooke working with Michael Arlott on the right all supported in central defence by David Nash, Ledbury’s domination of the first half was almost complete, apart from being unable to actually put the ball in the net. Several corners were won, good crosses went in, but either loose finishing or good goalkeeping meant that by half time, it was still all square. Swifts were determined to make their domination count; good running from Brown two minutes from the restart saw him shoot and open the scoring when the ‘keeper lost control of the wet ball. The goal moved the home side up a gear and four minutes later a Crichard throw-in to Brown was squared to Rooke who had acres of space in the box to fire in the second. From the kick-off, Arlott cleared a fine ball up the wing to Rooke; he crossed to Preece who was again unmarked and made it three. A minute later Brown’s shot was blocked and Preece knocked it in for four. Despite this, Falcons’ ‘keeper refused to be bowed and made several excellent saves before Brown latched onto a rebound and made it five, while he was unlucky moments later when a Rooke shot was deflected in for six. Ledbury could have had more, but after three tight games, they boosted their confidence and such was their their domination, ‘keeper Patrick Merryman only managed to touch the ball twice all match.

Sat 18 Sep: League Match 3
FC Phoenix Jets - 1 (Price 14')
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Arlott 22')
Swifts will be wondering how they had the majority of the possession and played the most fluent football in this match and yet only managed to come away with a point. They began brightly; Michael Arlott starting a good move in defence, cutting the ball inside to Ben Brown who played it out to Matthew Rooke on the right wing, he put David Preece clear in the Jets’ box, only to see his shot hit the post. That set the scene for most of the match; Swifts put together some of the best passing play only to be thwarted by the woodwork (three times) or the Phoenix defence. The home side were reduced to quick counter-attacks usually to be cut off by David Nash and Joe Crichard who held firm at the back. Indeed, Phoenix only managed to get behind the defence once, punishing the visitors for pushing too far forward; a quick goal-kick caught the defence off-guard and Rhys Price ran it on to score from short range against the run of play. Swifts though were undeterred, making an equaliser inevitable. It came with three minutes of the first half left and another good passing move saw Preece square the ball to Arlott who fired in a low slot; the Jets’ keeper wasn’t able to hold onto it and it trickled across the line. 1-1 at the interval and the second half continued in the same vein, making this an entertaining and exciting match. Ledbury saw Rooke head against the bar and Brown hit the post, while at the other end, a well-hit long shot brought out a solid save from Swift’s ‘keeper Patrick Merryman. Despite their positive play, Ledbury had to settle for the draw, knowing they were desperately unlucky not to have more, and hoping their luck will change on Saturday as they play Belmont Falcons at home.

Wed 15 Sep: League Match 2
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (OG 4', Rooke 6')
Bartestree Rangers - 1 (OG 10')
Ledbury bounced back from the disappointment of giving away a point at Leominster with some good, hard-played football at home against Bartestree Rangers. The visitors had the best of the early play, but on the Swifts' first attack, a well-placed Matthew Rooke cross was deflected into the net by an unfortunate Rangers defender. Swifts took that as their cue to take control of the match, and moments later, a good run from Ben Brown put David Preece in space on the left and while his shot was blocked by the ‘keeper, Rooke followed up and made no mistake to grab Ledbury’s second. But the elation was short-lived and fears of surrendering another lead were raised four minutes later when confusion over a headed back-pass saw the ball bounce beyond ‘keeper Patrick Merryman’s grasp and into the net. Despite that, the Swifts showed they were determined to add to their tally and could easily have done so had Joe Crichard not drawn a good save from the Bartestree keeper just before half-time. While the home side picked up the pace again after the re-start with Brown going close, the visitors began to fight back sensing a chance to grab an equaliser. Try as they might though, David Nash and Michael Arlott kept control in defence, while two long shots were easily picked off by Merryman. Ledbury continued to look dangerous on the break with efforts from Crichard and Rooke, but in the end they weren’t needed as Ledbury ran out 2-1 winners.

Sat 11 Sep: League Match 1
Leominster Minors - 1 (Cornes 42') 
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Preece 5')
Like last year, Ledbury opened their season with a solid draw away from home, but unlike their debut 12 months ago, they started the match a player short. It didn’t seem to make much difference as the Swifts had the best of the early running and made their first attack count. The move began in midfield with Ben Brown cutting the ball inside to Michael Arlott, who knocked it out to Joe Crichard on the left wing. He lofted a pass through to David Preece who was unmarked at the edge of the box and he calmly slotted it home beyond the diving 'keeper. The home side then threw themselves forward to try and redress the balance, but despite winning a series of corners, they were unable to get past the solid defending of David Nash, Matthew Rooke, Arlott and Crichard, and the goalkeeping of Patrick Merryman who tipped a good shot wide of the post in the dying moments of the first half. After the restart the match become more disjointed with some over-zealous refereeing and several substitutions by the Minors breaking the flow of the game. Ledbury continued to successfully frustrate Leominster’s attack, but it was a minor infringement seen only by the referee which gave the home side their chance. Leominster were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, and Tom Cornes fired the ball into the top corner of the net for the equaliser. Both sides then had chances to take the points in the last five minutes, but it ended all square.