Under 11s Reports -
2005-06
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site
Sat
May 07: Tony Cole Cup - Final (at Edgar
Street)
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Cooney)
Bartestree - 2
LEDBURY Swifts travelled to
Edgar Street, the home of Hereford United, to play
Bartestree in the Tony Cole Cup final. Swifts entered the
stadium to a stunning reception from their enthusiastic
band of travelling supporters. It was Ledbury who settled
the quicker and carried the early threat. Good inter-play
forced Bartestree back into their own half, Alexander
Firth's excellent left-wing cross wrong-footed the
Bartestree defence to find Jack Cooney. His fierce shot
from the edge of the area beat the keeper and the Swifts
took an early lead. Swifts continued to hold the upper hand
and Sam Keetch's clever through-ball put Neil Green clear,
his early shot flew wide, when a cross may have produced a
better option. Swifts continued to play the more attractive
football and carried the greater threat. Midway through the
first-half Firth was forced to leave the pitch with the
recurrence of an old injury. This was to the turning point
in the game as the Swifts, in Alexander's absence, were
unable to continue to play with the width and pace that
characterised their early show. Bartestree came more into
the match and Thomas Whatmore, the Swifts' goalkeeper, made
a brave and crucial save at the feet of a Bartestree
striker. Harry Smith then used his strength and skill to
make an excellent challenge denying the opposition an
opportunity. Bartestree pushed forward in search of an
equaliser. Swifts were pushed further back and conceded a
corner from a sliced clearance. The well-flighted cross
gave the unchallenged Bartestree striker a simple header to
level the scores in the final minute of the first-half. The
second-half saw Bartestree again on the attack. They were
quick to regain possession from a Ledbury six yards and
forced the Swifts to concede a further corner. In a carbon
copy to the first-half corner Bartestree scored their
second and ultimately decisive goal. Swifts responded well
with William Pinnell's strong run finding Charlie Barrett,
but his excellent cross into the box was tamely headed
goalward by Jake Bramley. Bartestree went in search of a
third goal but in open play could find no way through the
imposing Swifts defensive quartet of David Bryan, AJ Smith,
Gavin Walton and Harry Smith. When they resorted to the use
of long ball, it was dealt with well by the impressive
Whatmore in the Swifts goal. Ledbury continued to create a
number of good chances but none were converted. Kieran
Phillips made several timely challenges to deny Bartestree
as they threatened briefly in the final minutes. At the
final whistle, despite their obvious disappointment, the
young Swifts players all behaved impeccably and were a
credit to themselves and the club. Playing in front of such
a large crowd was an unforgettable experience and one the
squad will be keen to experience again in the not too
distant future.
Sat Apr 23: League Play-Off 5
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Mowday, Bramley)
Hereford Lads Club - 2 (Jones, Sirrell)
With four sides
separated by just one point, this final championship play
off game would have a major impact on who would be crowned
League Champions. Swifts settled quickly into their stride
and carried the early threat. Alexander Firth's clever
through ball finding Jonathan Mowday, his excellent drag
back giving him time to pick his slot and fire the ball
into the far corner. Lads club tried to launch their own
attacks but they struggled to maintain possession against
the Swifts hard tackling midfield trio of Jack Cooney, Sam
Keetch and Charlie Barrett. William Pinnell was denied a
goal scoring opportunity by a last ditch tackle after his
strong run had evaded three challenges. Swifts continued to
push forward and an excellent through ball from David Bryan
finding Jake Bramley for a simple tap in as Swifts doubled
their advantage. Lads Club came back strongly and a strong
challenge was correctly penalised. The well struck free
kick was confidently saved by Swifts goalkeeper Thomas
Whatmore. Lads Club finished the half strongly with
Whatmore making another excellent save, parrying a shot to
his left to ensure Swifts kept their two goal advantage at
half time. The second half saw the Swifts back in control,
Keetch's header was well saved by the keeper and Neil
Green's powerful strike cannoned off the upright. Lads Club
were well marshalled, Harry Smith having an outstanding
game ensuring that Sirrell, the visitor's dangerous
striker, posed little threat. AJ Smith and Gavin Walton who
have formed an impressive partnership at the heart of the
Swifts defence tackled and defended well as Swifts held a
firm grip on the game. Against the run of play Swifts
conceded a corner, Lads Club took full advantage to score
their first goal. Kieran Phillips made an excellent block
to deny Sirrell a scoring opportunity. Swifts responded
well and Bramley was put clear on the left wing. With
players unmarked in the box he opted for goal to the dismay
and disappointment of his team mates. The poor shot was
easily saved; from the clearance the Swifts conceded
another corner from which Lads Club were to snatch a late
equaliser. This was another encouraging performance from
the Swifts who have performed extremely well in their last
two games without necessarily getting the reward that their
efforts deserved.
Sat Apr 16: League Play-Off 4
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Walton, OG)
Ross Juniors - 2 (Cinderey, Rutsch)
League leaders Ross
were buoyed by their recent comprehensive 5-2 victory over
Swifts' cup final opponents Barterstree. For the first time
in three months the home side were able to field a full
strength squad and started the match confidently. Swifts
were first to attack but were held at bay by the physical
approach of the Ross defenders. Against the run of play
Ross forced a corner and from the resulting set piece
Rutsch headed the visitors into the lead. Swifts were
undeterred; AJ Smith making one of many well-timed tackles
secured possession played an excellent through-ball,
forcing the Ross defenders to concede a corner. Alexander
Firth's well-placed corner picked-out Gavin Walton at the
far post to side foot home a well deserved equaliser. The
visitors, who required victory to maintain their hopes of a
first ever title, launched a number of attacks but could
find no way round the strong tackling Ledbury full-backs
Harry Smith and David Bryan. Swifts conceded a free-kick
and slack marking allowed the visitors a soft goal to
regain the lead. Ross's physical attitude to the game was
correctly penalised by the referee, the visitors' keeper
just saving Neil Green's well placed free-kick. Ross tired
visibly and with Charlie Barrett securing the majority of
possession in the midfield the visitors were pinned back in
their own half by the fitter home side. In the second half
Ross, despite including a current Aston Villa Academy
player and the captain of the Herefordshire Centre of
Excellence, struggled to contain a lively Swifts side that
played by some way, the better football of the two sides.
Ross posed little threat in the second half, relying on
long, through balls that were confidently dealt with by
Thomas Whatmore the Swifts goalkeeper. Kierran Phillips
made a number a good challenge to break up rare Ross
attacks. Jake Bramley made a clever lay-off to Jack Cooney
but his shot flew just wide. Jonathan Mowday battled well
and was denied by a last minute challenge. William Pinnell
evaded the visitors' defence and his effort flew just wide
of the far post. Swifts continued to push forward in search
of an equaliser, Sam Keetch's powerful header just saved by
the keeper. In the dying minutes, Swifts forced a
succession of corners and at the third attempt were able to
force the ball home to secure a well-deserved draw. This
was an excellent display from the Swifts and will give the
side a huge boost in confidence for their two remaining
fixtures of the season.
Sat Apr 02: League Play-Off 3
Monmouth Lads Club - 7
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Walton, Green, Bramley)
This was the Swifts
third play off game and as for the previous two play-off
fixtures the Swifts were missing three players. The Swifts
suffered their third consecutive defeat and are ruing their
decision to qualify for this years championship play offs.
The Swifts started brightly with Alexander Firth moving
into midfield the visitors were quickly on the offensive.
Alexander's right wing cross was slotted home by Gavin
Walton. The Swifts continued to hold the upper hand and MLC
were forced to concede an early corner. An excellent
delivery from Firth was unselfishly laid back by Sam Keetch
to enable Neil Green to fire home the Swifts second of the
game. Charlie Barrett and William Pinnell made a number of
strong tackles forcing MLC back in their own half. MLC
could not contain the lively Swifts winger and another
excellent cross from Firth was headed goal bound by Keetch,
the upright coming to the home side's rescue. With no
midfield or attacking subs available to the Swifts the
visitors tired at the end of the half. This suited MLC
whose counter-attacking style of play resulted in them
scoring three goals in the final minutes of the half. The
second half mirrored the first with the Swifts starting the
stronger. Firth's well delivered corner was slotted home by
Jake Bramley. With the strong sunlight temporarily blinding
the home referee the Swifts were then denied a clear
penalty in what was effectively the turning point in the
game. MLC grew in confidence but struggled to find any way
through the Swifts central defensive partnership of AJ and
Harry Smith. With David Bryan and Kieran Phillips covering
well down the flanks a draw would have been a fair result.
As in the first half the Swifts could not maintain the
tempo and with tiring legs the visitors conceded four late
goals. The score flattered the home side and the Swifts can
take great credit for an exhilarating performance.
Sat
Mar 12: League Play-Off 2
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Bartestree - 2
This
game was a rehearsal of the Cup Final at Edgar Street in
May. With players unavailable and three players leaving the
pitch due to illness the Swifts resources were stretched to
the limit. At one stage the home side were limited to only
ten fit players. Both sides started nervously with neither
side able to pose any real threat. Bartestree's midfields
gradually imposed themselves over their Swifts counterparts
and were generally quicker to secure any loose ball and
demonstrated a greater hunger for the game. Swifts passing
game deteriorated noticeably with the home sides' midfield
either launching aimless first time passes or trying to
dribble through all of the visitors defence. The net result
was that valuable possession was simply handed back to the
opposition. Bartestree, despite fielding four Centre of
Excellence players compared to one from the Swifts, were
little better and possession changed hands with monotonous
regularity. As so often this season the Swifts were to be
masters of their own downfall. A poorly directed pass from
the midfield put Casey Supple through on goal, his clinical
finishing giving Bartestree a narrow lead. This spurred
Bartestree on and their midfield created the move of the
game to set up an excellent opportunity for their striker.
The Swifts strikers who received no service throughout the
game could only look on enviously as the Bartestree striker
wastefully hit his effort high and wide. Swifts again came
to the visitors' aid, a sliced clearance conceding a
needless corner. With not one of the ten Swifts defenders
prepared to head or clear the ball it flew embarrassingly
into the bottom corner to wrap the game up for Bartestree.
With only two goals in their last four competitive games,
the Swifts will use their remaining play off fixtures to
take the opportunity to review their midfield in order to
add the necessary creativity.
Sat
Mar 05: League Play-Off 1
Leominster Minors - 5
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Ledbury met a side they had
previously beaten 1-0 at home to secure their place in the
Under 11's play offs, but were weakened by the
unavailability of three first choice players. With a fourth
picking up an injury during the game Swifts were forced to
play with just eleven players. The visitors started
brightly and forced a number of early corners but could not
convert the early pressure into goals. Leominster upped the
tempo of their game and their passing and strong tackling
midfield started to gain control. The Swifts midfield
quartet struggled against their Leominster counterparts
with only Jack Cooney fronting up to the home side in this
vital area. Swifts were pushed further back but maintained
parity with good tackling from David Bryan and Kieran
Phillips. Eventually the pressure told and Leominster
scored two quick goals to take a decisive lead. The Swifts
hit back with Cooney and Sam Keetch combining well to
create an excellent opportunity, their team-mate firing his
shot wide of the open goal. Leominster, sensing their first
ever league victory over the Swifts, continued to push
forward and added two further goals to complete a miserable
first half for the Swifts. Leominster started the second
half in a confident manner but found the Swifts in a
determined mood. Harry Smith, relishing the physical nature
of the game, flew into tackles. He, and his defensive
partner AJ Smith's tough tackling and clever distribution
of the ball unsettled the home side and for the first time
in the game the Swifts held the upper hand. Ben Smith and
Bryan worked hard to ensure that Leominster were penned
back in their own half. Cooney and Keetch were in the thick
of action and created numerous chances for the visitors. As
in the first half, poor finishing and constant offside was
to undermine the efforts of Cooney and Keetch. Time and
again the Swifts were caught offside giving the home side
turnover ball and allowing Leominster to clear their lines.
From one such clearance the home side scored their fifth
goal of the game. The finish, as for the previous four, was
clinical and gave Thomas Whatmore the Swifts keeper no
chance of saving any of the five goals. This was the
Swifts' heaviest ever defeat against any opposition. With a
number of players unavailable for the remaining fixtures
the Swifts will have to improve their willingness and
desire to compete at this level if they are to avoid losing
all five of their play-off fixtures.
Sat Feb 26: Tony Cole Cup Semi-Final
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Bramley)
Westfields - 0
Swifts were quickly into their
stride and good play down the flanks from Alexander Firth
and David Bryan put Gavin Walton clear for two early
opportunities, Will Marsh the Westfields keeper making two
good saves which was to set the tone for the rest of the
game. Charlie Barrett and Jack Cooney worked tirelessly in
the Swifts midfield, making numerous tackles as Westfields
struggled to get out of their own half. Swifts continued to
carry the greater threat, particularly down the right flank
where Neil Green and Firth have developed a formidable
partnership. Alexander's deep cross finding Jonathan Mowday
whose goal-bound effort hit the upright. Westfields
threatened briefly but could find no way through the
impressive Swifts central defenders AJ and Harry Smith. The
second half continued in a similar manner to the first with
the Swifts dominating possession. Green's corner was
flicked on by Firth whose well-placed header cannoned off
the far upright. William Pinnell's cross after a strong run
down the left flank found Sam Keetch, his clever through
ball falling to Cooney whose left foot volley flew
agonisingly over the bar. Swifts became increasingly
frustrated and at one stage resorted to tackling their own
players in their desperation to score. This unsettled the
home side and Westfields were quick to counter attack. A
flowing move saw the visitors clear through on goal, Thomas
Whatmore the Swifts keeper, who had been a spectator for
most of the game, making a confident save to record his
third clean sheet in the last three games. In the dying
minutes with extra time looming, Keetch's perfectly placed
through ball finding Jake Bramley who calmly slotted home
the ball to give the Swifts a well deserved lead.
Westfields launched one final attack and only brave
defending from Barrett and Firth prevented the Hereford
side from snatching a late equaliser.
Sun Jan 30: League Match 14
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Keetch)
Leominster Minors - 0
Due
to a last minute change of fixtures Swifts were forced to
play two games on the same weekend. Neither side were happy
about the enforced fixture change, causing unnecessary
friction. The Swifts started the game requiring victory to
progress into the play off finals whilst the League leaders
were looking to extend their winning sequence to 13 games.
Swifts started brightly with Neil Green's excellent right
wing cross causing panic in the visitors defence. Jon
Mowday went close to opening scoring and Alexander Firth's
powerful header was well saved by the Leominster keeper
following an excellent corner from Green. Leominster came
back into the game and a dangerous cross from the right was
well fielded by the Thomas Whatmore the impressive Swifts
keeper. As the first half progressed Leominster came more
into game but their attacks were constantly broken down by
the tough tackling Swifts midfield duo of Jack Cooney and
Charlie Barrett. With the first half goalless the game was
delicately poised. Excellent interplay between Green and
Firth down the right flank put Neil clear of the cover
defence. His teasing deep early cross evaded the Minors
defence, Gavin Walton's header crashing against the
upright. Sam Keetch, the first to react slotting the ball
into the far corner to give the Swifts the lead. Leominster
came back strongly but could find no way through a resolute
Swifts defence. AJ Smith and Harry Smith, who have
developed into a formidable partnership, combining well to
provide a solid defensive wall in front of the Swifts goal.
Byatt the Leominster striker skipped through the defence
but could not evade the well timed cover tackle from David
Bryan. The Minors became increasingly frustrated and were
forced into long range efforts which were comfortably dealt
with by Whatmore. Swifts turned defence into attack, AJ's
clever distribution of the ball finding Cooney, his fierce
drive flicked on by Jake Bramley agonisingly the wrong side
of the crossbar. The abiding memory of the game was of man
of the match Cooney, covering every blade of grass,
tackling and harrying the Minors into submission. An
inspirational performance from the Swifts Captain, driving
his team to a breathtaking performance.
Sat
Jan 29: League Match 13
Hereford Lads Club - 3
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Bramley, Keetch)
The Swifts were quickly into their stride with Alexander
Firth and Neil Green causing the home defence numerous
problems down the right flank. Jonathan Mowday was unlucky
not to open the scoring when his close range effort was
well saved by the home side's keeper. Lads Club struggled
to maintain possession with Jack Cooney and Charlie Barrett
in the Swifts' midfield dictating the tempo of the game.
William Pinnell's well timed tackle securing the ball for
Sam Keetch who was strong enough to hold off the Hereford
defender to fire home the opening goal to give the Swifts a
well deserved lead. Lads Club came back into the game and
Swifts keeper Thomas Whatmore came out to make a brave save
to deny the lively Hereford striker a goal scoring
opportunity. The game flowed from end to end with neither
side able to create any clear scoring opportunities. The
Swifts impressive defensive partnership of AJ and Harry
Smith were in outstanding form and broke up a number of
attacks before they could pose a real threat to the Swifts
goal. The second half saw the Swifts regain control of the
game. David Bryan and Firth both made promising runs down
the flanks as the Swifts went in search of the decisive
second goal. Lads Club were always dangerous and from a
break out scored a goal against the run of play. This
unsettled the Swifts and the home side added a second goal
shortly afterwards. Lads Club continued to push forward and
the Swifts were forced to concede a corner. Poor marking
allowed Bayliss a free header to score the Hereford
sides’ third goal in seven minutes. Swifts were
stunned as a game that they had controlled for so long
slipped away from them. The young Ledbury side showed real
character and forced their way back into the game. Kieran
Phillips made a number of telling tackles as the visitors
finished the stronger of the two sides. Driven on by the
mercurial skipper Cooney, Swifts laid siege to the home
sides goal. Keetch's clever through ball was coolly slotted
home by Jake Bramley. Unfortunately for the Swifts time was
against them and the Hereford side secured a narrow
victory.
Sat
Jan 15: League Match 12
Ledbury Swifts - 5 (Green, Cooney, Bramley,
Walton, Keetch)
Sutton
Scorpions - 1 (Howarth)
Swifts started brightly and put the Scorpions under
immediate pressure. From a Scorpions goal kick the ball was
picked up by Charlie Barrett, a clever pass from Sam Keetch
found Neil Green whose well placed shot flew into the top
corner to give the Swifts an early lead. Swifts continued
to threaten with Alexander Firth and David Bryan giving the
home side width and providing a number of attacking options
down both flanks. A well placed pass from Charlie Barrett
put Jake Bramley through; he outpaced to the home defence
and cleverly chipped the keeper to double the Swifts lead.
The Scorpions were shocked into action and launched a
number of attacks of their own. From a free kick the ball
fell invitingly to Howarth slotted the ball into the bottom
corner to score the Scorpions' opening goal. The visitors
continued to push forward and only excellent defending from
Harry Smith and AJ Smith prevented the home side from
conceding further goals. The second half continued in a
similar vein with Thomas Whatmore the Swift's keeper making
a number of outstanding saves. Scorpions continued to hold
the upper hand only a goal line clearance from Harry Smith
prevented the visitors from drawing level. AJ Smith's
clever distribution from defence found Jack Cooney whose
cool finish restored the Swifts two goal advantage. Ben
Smith went close before Gavin Walton added a fourth
following good work from Kieran Phillips. Swifts continued
to push forward and Sam Keetch headed powerfully home Neil
Green's excellent corner to give Ledbury a flattering 5-1
win, their sixth consecutive league victory.
Sat Jan 08: League Match 11
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Mowday, Pinnell, Cooney,
Bramley, Walton, Keetch)
Hereford Lads
Club Colts - 1
The
Colts had the same number of points as the Swifts so a
close encounter was anticipated. From the kick off the
Colts looked the more dangerous of the two sides. The
Swifts Christmas spirit extended into the New Year as a
poor pass from midfield gifted the ball to Purnell. The
Colts right winger shrugged off a number of frail Swifts
challenges to fire the Colts into the lead in the opening
minute. Swifts responded brightly and Sam Keetch's clever
through ball put his strike partner Jon Mowday through to
level the score. Alexander Firth, who was a constant threat
throughout the game to the Colts defence, fired in an
excellent cross, which was spectacularly volleyed home by
Jack Cooney. Swifts continued to push forward and Cooney
fierce shot could only be parried by the Colts keeper, the
impressive Will Pinnell being the first to react to fire
home the Swifts third. Neil Green's well taken corner was
only partially cleared. The ball falling invitingly to
Charlie Barrett whose long range effort flew just over the
bar. The Colts launched a number of their own attacks but
were thwarted by a number of excellent saves by Thomas
Whatmore the Swifts keeper. An excellent tackle from Harry
Smith gained possession for the Swifts, his well placed
ball finding Jake Bramley who calmly slotted home the
Swifts fourth. The Colts started the second half in a
determined mood and were only kept at bay by another
impressive performance in the Swifts defence from AJ Smith
and David Bryan. Hard work and good inter play from Kieran
Phillips and Ben Smith put Cooney clear of the Colts
defence. His generous cross was chested home by Gavin
Walton. Swifts continued to push forward with their
strikers who are developing a good partnership combining
well, Mowday turning provider, Keetch slotting home the
sixth. Colts pushed forward and were clean through on goal
on two further occasions, only to be denied by Whatmore who
gave a man of the match performance in the Swifts goal. The
Swifts ended the game with six goals from six different
players underlying the strength within the current squad.
Sat
Dec 11: League Match 10
Bromyard Town - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 9 (Cooney 3, Pinnell, Bramley,
Walton, Keetch 3)
The major advantage to playing away from home is the
opportunity to play on a decent pitch and this was to be a
crucial factor as the Swifts came away from this local
derby with an impressive victory. Playing up the slope and
against a number of former team-mates Swifts were quickly
into their stride. Excellent inter play down the right
between Jack Cooney, Alexander Firth, Sam Keetch and Neil
Green cut open the Bromyard defence as Gavin Walton,
William Pinnell and Keetch (2) scored four quick goals for
the Swifts. Bromyard struggled to maintain possession with
the impressive Charlie Barrett working and tackling
tirelessly. The Bromyard defence could not contain Green
the Swifts right winger who gave a faultless performance
and played with genuine width and pace. His Beckhamesque
deliveries were to be a feature of the game and it was no
surprise when Cooney added two further goals for the
visitors. Bromyard refused to give up and a well-worked
move put their striker through clear on goal. Thomas
Whatmore, the Ledbury keeper, making a stunning one handed
save to ensure that the Swifts recorded their third clean
sheet of the season. Bromyard started the second half
brightly and it was the Swifts defenders who were the
busier. David Bryan timed his interception well as Bromyard
threatened the Swifts goal. Bromyard continued to push
forward could find no way through the Swifts defensive unit
of AJ Smith, Bryan, Harry Smith and Firth all of who have
been in outstanding form throughout the season. Swifts came
back into the game and Jonathan Mowday went close before
Cooney scored a fine individual goal to complete his hat
trick. Desperate defending from Bromyard forced them to
concede a penalty. AJ's well struck penalty was saved by
the impressive Bromyard keeper. Kieran Phillips made an
important tackle and moved the ball forward to Pinnell. His
fierce shot thundered against the upright, Jake Bramley the
first to react to fire home the rebound. Keetch's delicate
chip over the keeper secured his hat trick as the Swifts
ended the year with their largest victory of the season.
The win moves the Swifts back into contention for a play
off place.
Sat Dec 04: League Match 9
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Mowday 2, Firth, Bramley,
Walton, Keetch)
Hinton -
1 (Patchett)
On a
desperately poor pitch it was Swifts who started the
brighter. Excellent interplay down the right wing between
Jack Cooney and Alexander Firth gave Neil Green the
opportunity to deliver a number of dangerous crosses that
caused panic in the visitors' defence. Swifts continued to
hold the upper hand with Charlie Barrett and William
Pinnell working tirelessly to secure the majority of
possession. Hinton held out and in their first serious
attack opened the scoring. This stunned the Swifts who
responded with well struck goals from Gavin Walton and
Jonathon Mowday. Hinton looked dangerous on the counter
attack and Thomas Whatmore made a brave save to deny the
lively Hinton striker a goal scoring opportunity. David
Bryan and AJ Smith both made important tackles as the
Swifts regained control of the game. Sam Keetch slotted
home the third from the edge of the area, his 100th
competitive goal for the Swifts. The second half started
with the Swifts again enjoying the majority of possession
and, despite the conditions, playing some very attractive
football. Walton's well worked cross from the left to
Mowday on the edge of the box, his well struck shot finding
the bottom corner of the net. Kieran Phillips and Ben Smith
competed well as the Swifts secured the majority of the
play. Keetch's cross was headed home by Jake Bramley to
score his first competitive goal for the Swifts. Hinton
never gave up and continued to push forward but could find
no way through the Swift defensive line, the home side's
tough tackling midfielder Barrett and the outstanding AJ
Smith strangling any threat from the Hinton strikers before
it could materialise. Green's strong run and well timed
cross was forced away for a corner. Cooney's excellent
corner was headed home by Firth as the Swifts demonstrated
their ability to score from an eclectic group of players.
Sat
Nov 27: League Match 8
Hereford Junior Dynamos - 1 (Bowden)
Ledbury
Swifts - 2 (Walton 2)
Playing down the slope Dynamos were quickly into their
stride as the Swifts were forced to defend deep in their
own half. Thomas Whatmore reacted quickly to clear a number
of dangerous through balls as the Dynamos went in search of
an early lead. The home side continued to hold the upper
hand and AJ Smith and Harry Smith did well to contain the
lively Dynamos strikers. Swifts came more into the game
with the midfield trio of Will Pinnell, Jack Cooney and
Charlie Barrett having to make numerous tackles. Swifts
posted an early statement of intent when Sam Keetch's shot
flew just wide of the far upright. Harry Smith's clever
through ball found Gavin Walton whose delicate chip evaded
the Dynamos keeper to give the Swifts the lead. Swifts
continued to play the more attractive football with
Jonathan Mowday testing the Dynamos' defence. The home side
responded aggressively and David Bryan and Alexander Firth
both made good clearing cover tackles as their strikers
looked poised to score. The game became more physical and
an ugly and unnecessary foul on AJ Smith forced him from
the field to be replaced by Neil Green at the heart of the
Swifts' defence. The second half followed a similar pattern
to the first with Dynamos holding the majority of
possession but not carrying any real threat to the Swifts
goal. Firth and Bryan both continued their recent good form
as Dynamos became increasingly frustrated. Good inter play
between Barrett and Pinnell forced a corner for the Swifts.
Cooney's well-placed cross finding Walton at the far post
to double the Swifts lead. Dynamos upped the tempo and the
game became increasingly physical. Strikers Jake Bramley
and Keetch harried and chased but the Swifts were pinned in
their own half. Eventually the pressure told as Dynamos
clawed a goal back in the dying minutes but Swifts hung on
for a result their tenacious performance thoroughly
deserved.
Sat Nov 20: League Match 7
Ledbury Swifts - 7 (Green, Mowday, Firth, Pinnell
2, Keetch 2)
Golden Valley Juniors - 1 (Turpin)
On a
heavy pitch both sides struggled to adapt to the atrocious
weather conditions. Swifts struggled to retain possession
electing to fire long hopeful balls that were comfortably
dealt with by the Golden Valley defence. The visiting
attackers were well policed by AJ and Harry Smith, the
impressive Swifts central defenders. With the game finally
balance Jonathan Mowday tackled an opponent in midfield.
His strong run took him clear of the defence and his fierce
shot was too strong for the keeper to give the Swifts the
lead. This boosted the home side and despite the
deteriorating conditions they went on to give their best
performance of the season. Gavin Waltons strong run and
deep cross from the left flank was fired home by Neil
Green. Swifts varied their attack switching it through the
right flank, this time Green’s cross volleyed home by
Sam Keetch. Swifts dominated midfield with skipper Charlie
Barrett making numerous tackles to secure possession for
his side. His tenacity putting Will Pinnell clear to add a
fourth goal as the Swifts ended the first half in a
confident manner. The half time break revitalised Golden
Valley who started the second half in a determined fashion.
Thomas Whatmore, the Swifts' keeper, reacting quickly to
deny the Golden Valley striker. Swifts defended resolutely
with AJ Smith, Kieran Phillips, Harry Smith and David Bryan
all making important challenges. Golden Valley continued to
push forward and they were rewarded with a well-deserved
goal. Swifts bounced straight back, prompted by some
excellent play from AJ Smith, back forcing a corner.
Alexander Firth timing his run to perfection to fire home
from close range. Ben Smith gave a lively contribution and
linked well with Mowday. Jake Bramley made a number of
excellent runs down the flanks as the Swifts pushed
forward. Pinnell, making a very welcome return to the side,
added a sixth and Keetch a seventh from another excellent
Green corner.
Sat Nov 13: League Match 6
Bartestree - 3
(Hunt, Donavito,
Nash)
Ledbury
Swifts - 2 (Walton, Mowday)
Fixtures between these two sides have traditionally been
closely fought encounters and this was game was to be no
exception. Playing up the slope the Swifts started brightly
and their passing game contrasted starkly to Bartestree's
use of long ball tactics. Jack Cooney and Charlie Barrett
worked hard in midfield securing valuable possession which
in turn was used intelligently by the Swifts forwards as
the visitors went in search of the opening goal. Against
the run of play Bartestree took the lead, a speculative
shot from the edge of the area taking a wicked deflection,
the ball finally creeping into the goal off the far
upright. This spurred the Swifts on and Sam Keetch's clever
through put Gavin Walton clear to score a well deserved
equaliser. With the help of the slope Bartestree pushed
forward but could find no way through the impressive Swifts
quartet of Alexander Firth, AJ Smith, Harry Smith and David
Bryan. Swifts were forced to concede a corner; the ball
cleared to the edge of the area fell invitingly to the
Bartestree full back who cracked home an unstoppable
volley. The Swifts showed tremendous courage as once again
they clawed themselves back into the game. Bartestree were
forced to concede a corner, Jonathan Mowday getting the
important header as the Swift drew level for the second
time in the game. The second half saw the Swifts playing
with the advantage of the slope, Jake Bramley and Ben Smith
combining well as the Bartestree were pinned down in their
own half. Swifts pushed forward and were denied by the
woodwork. Bartestree became increasingly desperate and the
use of hands in the penalty area went unpunished. Alexander
Firth and Neil Green combined well down the right flank as
the Swifts continued to dominate the game. Jack Cooney
worked tirelessly, tackling and harassing the Bartestree
players, his attitude and commitment in support of the team
was outstanding. Bartestree boast five players at the
Herefordshire Centre of Excellence, all were eclipsed by
the Swifts mercurial captain. In the final minutes a rare
break by Bartestree earned themselves a corner. Following a
goal mouth scramble the ball was fired home to give
Bartestree an unexpected victory.
Sat
Nov 06: Tony Cole Cup Quarter-Final
Hereford Lads Club Colts - 1
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Mowday 2, Firth, Green, B
Smith, Keetch)
The Colts currently occupy a higher League position than
the visitors and with the advantage of being at home were
looking for their first-ever victory over the Swifts. The
Colts started the brighter of the two sides and it was the
impressive Smith partnership, Harry and AJ, together with
David Bryan at the heart of the Swifts defence who had to
make a number of telling tackles. The Swifts came to life
with Jack Cooney and Charlie Barrett taking control of the
centre midfield. Clever use of the ball put Gavin Walton
clear on the left wing; his excellent cross was fired home
by Sam Keetch to give the Swifts a well-deserved lead. The
Swifts passing and movement off the ball was a pleasure to
watch; one stunning move putting Neil Green clear to slot
home the visitors' second goal of the game. Swifts
continued to push forward and Walton's well struck corner
was volleyed home from close range by Alexander Firth.
Cooney gave an impressive display with his strong tackling
and creative distribution of the ball; his through ball
falling to Keetch, whose shot was well saved by the Colts'
keeper, Jonathan Mowday the first to react to fire home the
rebound. Immediately from the kick off the pair combined
well again as Mowday slotted the Swifts fifth goal. The
second half saw a committed Colts side come more into the
game, Barrett worked tirelessly as the Swifts were forced
back into their own half. The lively Colts striker broke
through and looked certain to score but was denied by a
brave and athletic save from Thomas Whatmore the impressive
Swifts keeper. The Colts were buoyed by this success and
the Swifts were forced on the defensive. The fast Colts
striker always looked threatening but he was denied two
goal scoring opportunities by excellent cover tackling from
AJ Smith. Colts continued to push forward and were rewarded
with a goal to reduce the deficit. Undeterred the Swifts
launched an attack of their own and excellent wing play
down the right between Green and Firth put Alexander free.
His well placed cross was fired home by Ben Smith. The
Colts, to their credit, never gave up and continued to
press forward. The Swifts defensive unit of Bryan, Harry
Smith and Kieran Phillips were uncompromising in their
tackling and the Colts could find no way through. Jake
Bramley created two good chances, the shots saved by the
keeper when a cross may have bought greater reward for the
team.
Sat
Oct 23: League Match 5
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Walton)
Westfields -
1 (Davies)
With both sides
having an identical playing record a close encounter was
anticipated. As in virtually all of the games this season
the match was played in wet and windy
conditions. Swifts were quickly into their stride and
controlled the majority of possession. Alexander Firth made
a number of well timed runs down the flank as Westfields
struggled to get out of their half. Jack Cooney and Charlie
Barrett dominated midfield, but despite the wealth of
possession Swifts could not create any clear goal scoring
opportunities. Westfields tried to launch their own attacks
but could find no way through the impressive Swifts central
defensive partnership of AJ and Harry Smith. Sam Keetch's
clever through ball put Gavin Walton clear to
give Swifts a well deserved lead. Westfields
threatened briefly, but David Bryan who, together with the
whole of the back four, performed well, made a number of
well timed challenges to clear the danger. Swifts continued
to apply pressure with Jon Mowday working tirelessly.
Swifts rang the changes, disappointingly, despite the
introduction of fresh legs into the home sides midfield it
was the visitors who finished the first half the stronger.
Showing greater appetite for the game Westfields attacked
down the right flank, the excellent deep early cross fell
to Davies to slot home the equaliser. Westfields continued
to push forward playing with an exciting combination of
pace and width. The Westfields winger providing the kind of
delivery that the Swifts strikers have wanted all season.
Another excellent cross was met by Reeve whose fierce shot
flew towards the bottom corner of the net. The Westfields
supporters celebrations were cut short as Swift's keeper
Thomas Whatmore made a stunning one-handed save to keep the
home side in the game. Swifts started the second half
in a determined fashion with Kieran Phillips making a
number of strong challenges. Westfields themselves were
forced to make a number of heavy and eventually illegal
challenges. Neil Green's free kick was comfortably saved by
Will Marsh the impressive Westfields keeper. Swifts enjoyed
the majority of possession but their unwillingness to pass
the ball to their own team mates and play with any natural
width meant that they were unable to create any clear cut
goal scoring opportunities. In the final minutes the Swifts
crafted a clear chance but the opportunity was missed much
to the relief of the visitors. Despite enjoying only a
fraction of the possession of the home side Westfields'
greater desire to play as a team and to pass the ball
earned themselves a well-deserved point. This contrasts
starkly with some of the Swifts players, whose pursuit of
individual glory as oppose to collective success, has, and
will, continue to cost them dearly.
Sat Oct 16: League Match 4
Weobley - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Walton 2,
Keetch)
For the second
Saturday running the Swifts travelled to play Weobley, this
time it was to be a League encounter. Both sides started
well with neither team able to take control of the game.
Weobley's fast forwards were well marshalled by AJ Smith
and Harry Smith with David Bryan and Alexander Firth
showing good pace to ensure that Thomas Whatmore in the
Swifts goal was unduly troubled. Jack Cooney and Charlie
Barrett combined well in midfield as the Swifts went in
search of the opening goal. Although Swifts had the
majority of possession there lack of width meant that they
were unable to create any clear cut chances of their own.
The Swifts forced a series of corners which Weobley were
unable to clear. Jack Cooney's well struck corner was fired
home by Sam Keetch to give the Swifts a narrow half time
lead. The second half was similar to first with the Swifts
having the lion's share of possession but creating few
clear cut chances. Neil Green and Kieran Phillips came into
the Swifts defence and both gave impressive displays as the
Swifts kept a clean sheet for the first time in four games.
Jake Bramley and William Pinnell worked hard on the right
side of midfield as gradually the Swifts gained some form
of superiority. Gavin Walton fired in two quick goals,
taking his career total to 50 competitive goals for the
Swifts. Jon Mowday and Ben Smith both went close to adding
further goals for the Swifts. The Swifts continued to hold
the majority of possession but their unwillingness to pass
the ball to their own team mates resulted in a
disappointing end to the game.
Sat Oct 09: Tony Cole Cup Round 1
Weobley - 1 (Mealand)
Ledbury Swifts - 5 (Keetch 3, Mowday, B Smith)
On Saturday the Swifts travelled to play Weobley in the
first round of the cup. Swifts started the brighter of the
two sides with Jack Cooney and Charlie Barrett making a
number of early tackles as the visitors gained control of
the midfield. Neil Greens clever through ball put Jack
Cooney through only for him to be denied by a brave save
from the Weobley keeper. Weobley responded in kind and
Thomas Whatmore, the Swifts keeper, responded quickly to
clear a dangerous cross from the home side. Swifts pushed
forward and Alexander Firth was unlucky not to open the
scoring when his well struck shot flew just over the bar.
Jake Bramley came into midfield and his introduction was to
be the turning point of the game. Jake’s corner was
headed home by Sam Keetch to give the Swifts a well
deserved lead. The pair continued to combine well as Sam
Keetch added two further goals to complete his hat trick.
Weobley pushed forward but solid defending from Kieran
Phillips, David Bryan and Harry Smith prevented the home
side from threatening the visitors defence. Jack
Cooney’s clever distribution put Jon Mowday clear
only for the Weobley keeper to make another desperate save.
The Swifts defence was marshalled by AJ Smith who gave
another faultless performance combining strong defence with
clever distribution of the ball from defence. Weobley
started the second half brightly and from a corner were
unlucky not to score when a well placed header hit the
crossbar. Weobley continued to look the more threatening
and it was no surprise when the scored their first goal of
the game. An excellent right wing cross took a wicked
deflection to give Thomas Whatmore in the Swifts goal no
chance to make a save. Swifts responded and a clever pass
from Jack Cooney put Jon Mowday through to score with a
fierce drive. Gavin Walton's clever through ball was fired
home by Ben Smith. Swifts continued to push forward and the
Weobley keeper was forced to make two further outstanding
saves as both Neil Green and Jake Bramley were denied.
Harry Smith, David Bryan and Kieran Phillips made a number
of well timed tackles to ensure that the visitors conceded
no further goals. The Swifts move into the quarter final of
the cup, the first time that this age group has progressed
beyond the first round. Next week the Swifts return to
Weobley this time in the League.
Sat Oct 02: League Match 3
Ross Town Juniors - 2 (Dobbs, Machette)
Ledbury
Swifts - 0
On a
deceptively sloping pitch, it was Ross playing downhill,
who had started the stronger. Ross had the majority of
possession but could find no way through the impressive
Swifts back four of AJ Smith, Jon Mowday, Harry Smith and
Alexander Firth. Charlie Barrett made a number of tackles
as he settled into his new role as the defensive anchor of
the Swifts' midfield. Swifts were unlucky to concede a
corner, the in-swinging cross finding the top corner of the
goal to give keeper Thomas Whatmore no chance. Swifts
responded with William Pinnelf and Ben Smith both making a
number of strong runs as the visitors went in search of an
equaliser. The second half saw a reversal of fortunes. With
the advantage of the slope it was the Swifts who enjoyed
the Majority of possession. Jake Bramley and Firth combined
well to put Jack Cooney clear, but he was denied by a brave
save from the talented Ross 'keeper. The visitors continued
to hold the upper hand; both Cooney and Sam Keetch went
close to levelling the score with fierce shots from the
edge of the penalty box. Swifts introduced David Bryan and
Kieran Phillips; both making a number of important tackles
as Ross struggled to get out of their own half. Neil Green
made several good runs but chances for the Swifts were few
and far between. Excellent work for them created space on
the right wing, but with four players waiting for the
cross, the shot fell harmlessly away for a goal kick. In
the dying minutes a cross from Ross evaded the Swifts'
defence for a simple tap in to give a flattering scoreline
to the home side.
Sat Sep 25: League Match 2
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Green, Keetch
2)
Monmouth Lads Club - 6 (Wilkes, Burns, Sevenoaks,
Callaghan 3)
Swifts entertained
MLC in their first home match of the new season and both
sides started strongly in what was to become an absorbing
contest. Swifts applied the early pressure with Alexander
Firth and Jake Bramley combining well down the right flank.
MLC were quick to counter-attack and only good anticipation
from Jack Cooney and a number of excellent saves from
Swifts' keeper Thomas Whatmore denied them an early goal.
MLC always looked threatening on the break and scored three
quick breakaway goals to effectively clinch the game.
Swifts were stung into action, Jack Cooney's long range
effort was well-saved by the keeper. Further pressure from
the home side gave them some reward when Sam. Keetch
delicately chipped the keeper to put the Swifts back in the
game. The opportunity was short-lived as from the kick off
MLC forced home their fourth goal of the first half. Swifts
started the second half in a positive manner with Gavin
Walton making a number of telling runs down the right wing.
Charlie Barrett and AJ Smith, who were both outstanding
throughout the game, worked tirelessly as the Swifts pushed
forward. MLC were quick to exploit any gaps and two
breakaway goals were conceded by the home side. Swifts
re-arranged their defence with Kieran Phillips, Jon Mowday
and Harry Smith all making impressive contributions.
William Pinnell's hard work earned the home side a free
kick which was slotted home by Neil Green. Further pressure
from the Swifts bought them just reward with Sam Keetch
firing home from close range.
Sat Sep 18: League Match 1
Leominster Minors Colts - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 7
No
report available
Sat
Sep 11: Friendly
Ledbury Swifts - 3
Ross Juniors U12s - 5
No
report available