Under 13s Reports - 2004-05

Click here for official League and Cup site

Sun Mar 20: Brederodes Cup Round 1
 Weston-under-Penyard - 6
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Powell)

Swifts finished their season in rather disappointing fashion; after beating them in the league 6-0, a semi-final at home to Orleton was on the cards. But once again, what has happened for the latter part of the season, the team travelled with only 11 players and two of those players were not completely fit. The first 15 minutes were very even as both sides tried to create openings. Swifts then had three good chances to take the lead. Firstly Sam Crichard shot wide, Tom Powell then put Matthew O'Neil through but he too didn't trouble the keeper but the best chance fell to Sam Peplow who, with only the keeper to beat, again missed the target. Weston then broke clear and a late tackle by Joe Markevich just outside the box resulted in a direct free-kick and a booking for the player. Swifts then deservedly took the lead just before the break when Crichard went on a run and crossed for Powell to rifle home. Weston turned this tie on its head in the first 15 minutes of the second-half when they rattled in three goals. Swifts' heads dropped as they struggled to hold on to the ball or put any passing together. With Swifts looking a shadow of the side they can be, Weston scored three more to record an easy 6-1 win. A special mention should go to Joe Markevich, who played this game at short notice but ran his heart out from the first minute to the last. 


Sun Feb 06: League Match 15
Kington Town - 11
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard)
This fixture which was postponed last week as the Swifts were unable to field a side, and alas the same situation arose this time as the Swifts played the game with only 10 players. Despite this the Swifts started the game well with some good passing football, but then on 8 mins a frantic goalmouth scramble saw Kington take the lead rather fortuitously. Swifts then forced a corner, Adam Davis's cross fell to Chris Savidge who narrowly shot wide. Then on 15 mins another scramble in the box saw the ball fall kindly to the Kington striker to make it 2-0. The ten men continued to work hard but were harshley dealt with in the last ten mins of the half when Kington rattled in 5 goals this was not a fair reflection on the Swifts and it was not a score line they deserved. Kington must of thought they were going to have a field day in the second half, but all credit to the Swifts players they never gave up and even had the better of the early exchanges, they nearly scored when from another Adam Davis corner Savidge's header was cleared off the line, the ball ran out to Ian Davies who's left foot strike was also some how stopped on the line, and Kington eventually cleared. With the swifts players now tiring Kington took control though it took them 22 mins to add to there score and make it 9-0. But Swifts wouldn't lie down and deservingly pulled a goal back when Davis put Crichard through and his outpaced the Kington defence to slot home. Kington were to have the final say when they added two goals in the last minute to make the final score 11-1. Swifts will have to see if they have made the play off places, also the draw for the supplementary cup has to take place. 

Sun Jan 23: League Match 14
Wellington - 2 ()
Ledbury Swifts - 14 (O'Neill 6, Powell 4, Peplow, Crichard 2, Davis)
Swifts came back from Wellington with the two points they needed to keep them in the hunt for a play-off place, and as the score line suggests they had quite an easy afternoon. Swifts got off to a fantastic start when in only the first eight minutes Matthew O'Neill scored twice, Tom Powell added a third and also hit the post, plus Sam Crichard saw one shot go just wide and another hit the bar. Several more chances went a begging until the 15th minute when a good break from defence saw O'Neill complete his hat trick. He then benefited from a quick Ashley Nelder throw to lift his shot over the keeper to make it 5-0. A fine run and cross by Crichard was again turned in by O'Neill. Sam Peplow got on the score sheet next when he broke in from the left to shoot under the keeper. Just before half time a superb through ball by Crichard to O'Neill enabled the striker to complete a double hat-trick with a neat finish. In the first minute of the second half Gio Walford's determination in midfield created a chance for Powell who blasted the ball into the far corner. Swifts went 10-0 up when Sam Crichard went on a solo run from the halfway line and placed his shot low passed the helpless keeper. In the next attack Powell completed his hat trick with a simple tap in. Wellington then reminded the Swifts that they shouldn't take things for granted when they scored a good break away goal. Adam Davis then made it 12-1 with a long range shot that dipped under the despairing dive of the keeper. It was unlucky 13 for Wellington when a Powell shot hit the under side of the bar, but Crichard followed in to score. Wellington still caused problems with their breaks and were rewarded with a second goal. Powell completed the scoring near the end when he grabbed his fourth. 

Sun Jan 16: League Match 13
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Powell, Perry)
FC Phoenix - 1 (Griffiths)
Once again the encounter between these two teams proved to be a close affair, but after a titanic battle Swifts held on for a vital win to keep their play off hopes alive. For the second week in a row Swifts took to the field with only 11 players, which included skipper Ashley Nelder bravely playing though not feeling very well. Pheonix started the better of the sides and Swifts were having trouble getting out of their own half, but solid defending saw them emerge unscathed. In Swifts first attack Luke Perry had a great chance to open the scoring, but his attempted chip was held at full stretch by the keeper. Then on 15 minutes Swifts took the lead when from an Adam Davis corner the ball eventually fell to Tom Powell who got enough power on his shot for the ball to cross the line. Two minutes later Swifts made it 2-0 when a Sam Crichard throw found it's way through to Perry who smashed the ball into the roof of the net. The game now became very competitive as Pheonix strived to get back into the game. Swifts' central defenders Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn and Elliott Parsons who were outstanding all afternoon, and the support of Ian Davies and Nelder soaked up all the Pheonix attacks. The battle in midfield was also getting heated but Chris Savidge and Adam Davis stood their ground. With five minutes of the half left Pheonix had a chance to score when the striker was put in with only Dave Reynolds to beat he dragged his shot wide. The second half was played in just the same spirit but both teams cancelled each other out to deny any scoring attempts. Swifts were dealt a blow when Nelder could not continue so they were down to 10 players. As expected Pheonix then pushed forward even more, but Swifts' defence held firm until 10 minutes from time, when from a Griffith's corner the ball eluded Perry at the near post and went straight in. Then in stoppage time Swifts had a slice of luck when a looping shot came back off the bar and the follow up shot was sliced wide. This was a great team effort from the Swifts.

Sun Jan 09: League Match 12
Belmont Vipers - 1 ()
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Powell 3, Crichard 3)
Swifts returned to action after the Christmas break and put in a good team performance to run out easy winners, with hat-tricks from Tom Powell and Sam Crichard. It wasn't the best of starts for Swifts when they only travelled with 11 players and had to play the first 15 minutes  with ten when one of the cars took a wrong turn on the way to the match. Both teams took a while to settle due to the strong wind but Swifts took control when Powell latched on to a loose ball in the area to score the opening goal. Crichard then made it 2-0 when he outpaced the defence to fire past the keeper. Belmont then made it 2-1 when from a goal kick the ball was lobbed over the Swifts defence and the striker hit a crisp shot past Reynolds. Chris Savidge then put Crichard through but his chip over the keeper also went over the bar. It wasn't long before Powell this time made the best of a Savidge through ball to grab his second. Then just before the break Swifts scored the goal of the game, Ashley Nelder broke up a Belmont attack, he then laid a great ball through to Powell who in turn slipped the ball on to Crichard who beat the keeper with ease to give Swifts a 4-1 lead. Right at the start of the second half Crichard was again unlucky to see his shot just go the wrong side of the post. Swifts defenders had a bit more to do in this half but Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn, Luke Perry, Nelder and Elliott Parsons worked hard to break up the attacks. Savidge and Adam Davis were also probing well from midfield and with some more careful finishing their work could have been better rewarded. Midway in the half Swifts were awarded a free kick and from Bubb-Sacklyn's cross Powell completed his hat trick. Crichard then hit a great shot from 25 yards but alas went the wrong side of the post. Then from another free kick Powell saw his header go just over. With five minutes left Crichard at last completed his hat trick when he slid home a cross from Sam Peplow. 

Sun Dec 19: League Match 11
Ledbury Swifts - 4 (O'Neill 3, Powell)
Bartestree - 5 (Thomas, Howes, Davies N, Woolley 2)
Despite a first hat-trick for the club by Matthew O'Niell Swifts continue to press the self destruct button, when for the fifth match in a row they threw away a winning position, in this case with only 10 minutes left and leading 4-2 dreadful defending saw Bartestree snatch a 5-4 victory. Swifts took the lead after only five minutes when a quickly taken throw from Crichard to Powell caught the Bartestree defence napping and from the cross O'Niell was on hand to tap home. The game then settled down with both teams taking it in turns to get forward. Swifts were creating the better openings with Peplow having the beating of his full back, and from one of his crosses Powell and O'Niell wasted a good scoring opportunity. Crichard then found himself with only the keeper to beat but dragged his effort well wide. Peplow also had a chance but dallied to long. Bartestree then equalised when the pace of Thomas was too much for the Swifts defence and he finished his run with a fine shot into the far corner. On 23 minutes O'Niell put Swifts back in front when he pounced on a goalkeeping error to stab the ball home. It was soon 3-1 when Adam Davis put Powell through to shoot under the keeper. Right at the start of the second half Bartestree were gifted their second when Reynolds failed to hold on to a through ball and Howes punished the error. Swifts were now a shadow of the first half as the revitalised Bartestree team can count themselves unlucky not to have had more goals. Then out of the blue Swifts scored and it was that man O'Niell in the right place to complete his hat-trick, and put his team in what should have been a winning position at 4-2 with 10 minutes to go. Bartestree who changed their keeper at half time with Woolley going up front proved to be a good move as he bagged himself two quick goals to make the score 4-4. Swifts were now all over the place and it was no surprise just before the end that Bartestree grabbed a deserved winner when M Davies fired in at the far post. 

Sun Dec 05: Friendly
Ledbury Swifts - 8
Swifts Dads - 8
In what is becoming a very interesting friendly fixture, the Dads held on to their unbeaten record when with the last kick of what was an eternity of injury time the Lads scored to level the match. The Dads took to the field in the peak of condition and soon showed their class when guest player Carl Lancelot fired them into an early lead. The Lads were finding it hard to get through the well organised Dads defence of Neil Jones, Roger Perry, Mark Reynolds, Martin Jeynes and John Savidge, even when they did break through they came up against the cat Clifford Parsons in goal. The Dads then scored four goals in ten minutes from Noel O'Neil, Frank Spencer, Perry and Adrian Cosh. Just before the break the Lads some how managed to pull a goal back with a freak shot. 1-5 at half-time, and the break did the Dads no favours as their muscles tightened up, but they weren't helped by some very strange refereeing decisions, which saw five penalties awarded none of which looked clear cut. With the score now at 6-5 to the Dads then found their second wind and scored two more goals from the ageless Ron Davies and O'Neil to go 8-5 up with only two minutes left. The referee then decided there was to be injury time played, 20 minutes later (with the Dads calling for oxygen) the Lads had managed to salvage a draw. The end of season game will no doubt be as keenly contested but the Lads will have to re-think their tactics if they want to triumph in that match. (Ed: You can tell a Dad wrote this - if the Lads want to give their side of the story, drop me an e-mail via the link on the front page)

Sun Nov 28: League Match 10
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Powell, Crichard, O'Neill)
Monmouth Lads Club - 3 (Reeves, Saunders, Clayton)
Swifts must be wondering just when their luck is going to change, when for the third week in a row they dropped points to a last minute goal. Monmouth started the match the brighter and took the lead on 7 minutes when Reeves latched on to the loose ball to fire past Reynolds. Swifts equalised straight from the kick off, when from a back pass the keeper hit the ball at Tom Powell who gratefully slotted home. Swifts were having the better of the exchanges and Powell should have given Swifts the lead, but with only the keeper to beat he shot wide. Monmouth responded well and they were also unlucky when the strikers shot hit the outside of the post. Chris Savidge who worked hard all through the game then won a tackle in the midfield, he set Powell away who in turn passed a great ball to Crichard but his powerful shot was saved. Crichard was not to be denied when from the corner the ball dropped out to him on the edge of the box and he found the bottom corner with a crisp shot. It wasn't long before Swifts added a third, Peplow sent Matthew O'Neill away and he rifled the ball past the advancing keeper to give Swifts a 3-1 half time lead. As expected Monmouth came out for the second half in determined fashion, and were met with the same determination from the Swifts defence, Ian Davies and Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn were combining well in breaking up the Monmouth attacks, it was from a Davies interception that Swifts should have added a fourth when he put Crichard through but he dragged his effort wide. Midway through the half Monmouth reduced the arrears when from a corner Swifts were slow to clear their lines and Saunders made them pay with an easy finish. Both teams were giving their all on the heavy surface Perry and Savidge continued to work tirelessly, Nelder and Parsons were also doing well in breaking up Monmouth attacks down the right. Swifts had several half chances to wrap the game up but with the referee looking at his watch both points looked secure. But Monmouth had the last say when with a break down the right somehow they wriggled into the box, and their cross was then lashed home by Clayton to give Monmouth a share of the spoils and break Swifts hearts for the third week in a row.

Sun Nov 21: League Match 9
Orleton & District - 4 (Byatt 4)
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Crichard, Powell, O'Neill)
Swifts travelled to Orleton & District with only eleven players but those players put in a fantastic team performance and can count themselves very unlucky to go down to a defeat in the last minute of the game. Orleton started the game well and were unlucky not to take the lead when the cross bar came to the Swifts rescue. Gradually Swifts got themselves into the match with Tom Powell holding the ball well up front. The game came to life with three goals in five minutes, firstly Swifts took the lead when Powell again did well to put Sam Crichard through and he neatly slotted home. Swifts made it 2-0 when a cross from Sam Peplow was dropped by the keeper and Powell was on hand to punish the error. Orleton then reduced the arrears with a cross over the Swifts defence for the forward to lob Dave Reynolds in the Swifts goal. Play was switching from end to end with some good attacking football from both sides, but it was Orleton who levelled the scores with a well taken goal to leave the half time score 2-2. The second half was once again full of competitive football, though Orleton were pressing hard for the winner, Swifts defenders Ashley Nelder, Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn, Ian Davies and Gio Walford worked hard in the sapping conditions. Chris Savidge and Adam Davis were breaking up Orleton's midfield efforts now and Savidge won a free kick from a reckless challenge, from this Swifts took the lead, when Bubb-Sacklyn found Powell who controlled the ball well to slip it through to Matthew O'Neill who slotted his shot low into the corner. Orleton were level within two minutes when slack marking led to a shot on goal; though Reynolds saved it the loose ball was tapped home. Crichard, who was causing more problems in the second half was unlucky to see his snap shot just go the wrong side of the post. Then just like last week Swifts were robbed in the last minute when the striker latched on to a through ball to fire under the advancing Reynold's to score.

Sun Nov 14: League Match 8
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Powell 2, O'Neill)
Hereford Lads Club - 3 (Owens 2, Francis)
Swifts U-13s must wonder how they let a three-goal half-time lead slip away in a pulsating encounter at the Ross Road. Swifts started the game at a very high tempo and took control with some excellent passing football. In the 2nd minute Sam Crichard who was a constant threat all afternoon to the Lads Club defence, outpaced the full back, but his chip over the keeper just went over the bar. It was Crichard again who got round the back and this time his cross evaded everyone in the box. Sam Peplow who had his best game of the season then fed Tom Powell, but his effort was easy for the keeper to save. Then on five minutes Swifts took a deserved lead when from a back pass the keeper made a hash of his clearance, and Powell was on hand to stab the ball home. Powell then increased the Swifts lead with the goal of the game, after good work down the left Peplow crossed in for Powell to volley home into the top corner. Swifts were in rampant mood now breaking up any play Lads Club had to offer, and soon made it 3-0 when in a goalmouth scramble Matthew O'Neill was on hand to force the ball home. Centre backs Luke Perry and Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn were well supported by Ian Davies and Ashley Nelder in keeping a tight check on the Lads Club forward line. Swifts had some more excellent chances to put the game out of reach, this they were to regret when Lads Club came out for the second half. Within two mins they had reduced the arrears when the ball should have been cleared, it was then crossed to the far post, the unmarked striker gave Dave Reynolds no chance. Straight from the kick off Swifts should have scored when Powell was put through but he blasted over. Chris Savidge and Adam Davis were now being over run in midfield as the Swifts defence came under more pressure, and with 15 minutes to go Lads Club broke through again to make it 3-2. Swifts still had a fair share of the play and a Davis snap shot went over the bar. Crichard was still having a lot of joy on the right wing but on more than one occasion an early cross into the box would have reaped more rewards. Just as Swifts thought they had held out for a win, a final minute clearance rebounded off the striker who then followed up to fire passed Reynolds. This was an excellent match played in a good competitive spirit on a very difficult surface.

Sun Oct 30: League Match 7
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Crichard 2, Powell 2, O'Neill, Peplow)
Weston-under-Penyard - 0
Swifts entertained a much-changed Weston side at the Ross Road and after last week's poor showing, proved they have the ability to bounce back by recording a well-earned victory. Swifts got off to the perfect start when Adam Davis put Sam Crichard through and he finished with a good shot just inside the far post. Crichard could have had a hat-trick in the first 10 mins of the match, when two similar chances came his way, but on both occasions the ball went the wrong side of the post. Weston came back into the game and caused the Swifts defence a few problems but they were unable to take the chances they created with some lacklustre finishing. On 25 mins Swifts increased their lead when Sam Peplow crossed for Tom Powell to tap home. Five mins later Swifts captain Ashley Nelder who was back to his best in this game, broke up a Weston attack and fed the ball through to Matthew O'Neill who also had a superb match up front, he outpaced the Weston defence to fire the ball past the helpless keeper. Just before the break Swifts made it 4-0 when after a scramble in the box, the ball came out to Sam Peplow who found the far corner with a great strike. The second half was hard going for both sides as the heavy ground took it's toll, but Swifts continued to try and pass the ball around and their efforts were rewarded when Powell scored his second. A few minutes later Powell set up Crichard for his second with a simple tap in. Swifts were then awarded a penalty after Luke Perry was tumbled over, Adam Davis was given the opportunity to get on the score sheet but alas he shot wide. Weston had the better of the last 15 mins and were unlucky not to score, Dave Reynolds pulled off two fine saves for the Swifts. Joe Markewich came on to replace Powell and Elliot Parsons came on for Ian Davies, both did a sterling job in defence. Swifts still made chances and even had a goal disallowed. Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn put in another towering performance at the heart of the defence, as did Chris Savidge with his endless work rate in midfield.

Sun Oct 23: League Match 6
Credenhill - 6 (Preece 5, Jones)
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard)
To go to Credenhill who are one of the best teams in the league is hard enough at the best of times, but Swifts had to travel there with only eleven players after five pulled out for various reasons. With three of those players missing defenders, Swifts line up was a bit disjointed to say the least. Tom Powell and Chris Savidge were forced to play at the centre of defence. In spite of the recent heavy rain the pitch was in excellant condition, but it was soon apparent that Swifts were going to be up against it and found themselves down 2-0 down after only 7 mins. Swifts worked hard to stem the flow of the Credenhill attacks but conceded a third after 18 mins. The remainder of the half was a bit more even but Swifts could not create a chance for themselves. Credenhill started the second half as the first by scoring two quick goals to take a 5-0 lead. All credit to the Swifts players they battled on and started to cause problems, then on 52 mins pulled a goal back when Sam Crichard was sent clear down the right, his pace was too much for the full back and he ran in on goal to slot home. Things then got worse for the Swifts, with no substitutes to call on Sam Peplow had to carry on with a back strain, while Ian Davies who had been ill all week and was only playing due to the lack of players was having breathing problems, the Ashley Nelder had to leave the field when his knee injury became to bad to carry on. Despite this Swifts battled on and with three fine saves from Reynolds and a goal line clearance from Davies, restricted Credenhill to only one more goal.

Sun Oct 17: League Match 5
Ledbury Swifts - 6 (Crichard, Powell 3, Davis, Ndlovu)
Dore Valley - 1 (Jordan)
Swifts got back to winning ways last Sunday with a comfortable win over Dore Valley, but a second half full of missed chances should have seen them at least double their score. The heavy pitch proved to be a problem for both teams as they strived to get any passing together. Despite Dore Valley's lowly position in the league they worked very hard and Swifts were struggling to get any forward play going. Then on 12 minutes Swifts at last put a good move together, when Peplow found space down the left, he crossed to Powell who in turn laid the ball off to Crichard to rifle the ball low into the corner. It was 2-0 five minutes later when Davis sent Crichard away down the right wing, his cross fell to Powell to side foot home. Dore Valley were still causing problems mainly down the Swifts left, Nelder, Park and Bubb-Sacklyn worked well to keep them out. But Dore Valley should have pulled a goal back when, once again, an attack down the left was crossed in and the striker all alone headed over. Swifts then forced a corner which Davis took, the ball was only half cleared and Davis followed his corner in to hit a great shot into the far corner. Just before the break Swifts made it 4-0 when Powell got his second of the match. In the second half Swifts should have had a field day, but a string of missed chances from Crichard then Powell, Crichard again Perry and Ndlovu kept Dore Valley in the game. Then as always happens Dore Valley broke to score, when the unfortunate Nelder in trying to clear hit the ball against Jordan's leg and it rolled pass the helpless Reynolds in the Swifts goal. Swifts continued to spurn their opportunities, as Crichard with only the keeper to beat tamely shot at him, Ndlovu from six yards again hit the keeper and from the rebound hit the bar, Crichard was then brought down in the box, but Park's penalty was hit weakly at the keeper. Swifts thought they had scored when Perry and Ndlovu combined well for Perry to have his shot turned onto the inside of the post and go over the line, as Swifts claimed the goal the defender cleared and the referee played on. Swifts were at last to find the net when Ndlovu got through to place the ball low into the corner. In the last minute Tom Powell gave himself a birthday present by completing his hat-trick.

Sun Oct 10: BOSS Cup Round 1
Credenhill - 4 (Powell 2, Stubbs, Harry)
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Swifts travelled to Credenhill on Sunday to play in the first round of the B.O.S.S. cup, and like all previous years fell at the first hurdle. On a blustery afternoon it was Credenhill who settled the quickest and nearly opened the scoring with their first attack, the striker was put through but with only Reynolds to beat in the Swifts goal shot wide. Swifts were struggling to get any momentum into their play against the wind and Credenhill were well on top and playing some good passing football. On 9 minutes they took the lead when the tricky left winger evaded three tackles only to be brought down in the box by Davies, Reynolds had no chance with the resulting spot kick. Swifts at last started to put some attacks together, as Crichard twice got round the back of the Credenhill defence, his first cross evaded everyone in the box, and his second effort came back off the bar. Credenhill then broke away to add a second, as nobody picked up the centre forward who finished with ease. Swifts were then unlucky not tot pull a goal back when Adam Davis had a shot tipped round the post, and Tom Powell was denied when the ball was kicked off the line. Once again Swifts were made to pay, when from a free kick 25 yards out Reynolds could only parry the ball into the roof of the net. Despite the wind at their backs in the second half Swifts put in a very poor showing, the passing and movement they showed last week never came through, and it was no surprise Credenhill added a fourth. Swifts could only muster one shot at goal in the second half and if it wasn't for two goal line clearances by Perry, a couple of saves from Reynolds, and some poor finishing from the Credenhill attack the score would have been far worse.

Sun Oct 03: League Match 4
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Powell, O'Neill)
Westfields - 0
With an excellent all round team performance, Swifts recorded their second win of the season after a highly entertaining encounter against Westfields. Swifts nearly took an early lead when Sam Crichard was put through, but his angled shot was pushed onto the post and away for a corner. Both sides were playing some excellent passing football, and for Westfields lively striker Igoulden was a constant threat all through the match , but Swifts defender Bubb-Sacklin marked him well. On 10 minutes Swifts took the lead, Ian Davies was quick to react to a loose ball, he then chipped the ball over the Westfields defence for Tom Powell to round the keeper and score. Midfielder's Luke Perry, Chris Savidge and Adam Davis were competing and creating good attacking option's, Sam Peplow was also combining well on the left to get some good crosses in. How ever Swifts did not have things all their own way, as Westfields were striving to get the equaliser, defenders Ashley Nelder and Alistair Park were kept very busy down the left flank, Bubb-Sacklyn continued his personal battle with Igoulden, while Ian Davies did all the sweeping up in his sweeper role. Right on half time Crichard was denied by another fine save by the keeper. The Swifts played the second half at a very high tempo, and Westfields were struggling to get to grips with the game, 5 minutes in Perry had a great chance to double the lead but shot wide. The reliable duo off Chris Savidge and Adam Davis were running the show in midfield and they were well supported by Crichard who now had the beating of his full back. Chances were coming at regular intervals, Perry hit the side netting when well placed, Powell shot over, Peplow shot wide from a Crichard centre, Davis then hit the bar, and Perry again shot passed the post. Swifts were nearly made to pay for their misses when Dave Reynolds pulled off to good saves to deny Westfields. Then with 10 minutes to go Swifts finally got the goal their play deserved, when another fine run by Perry down the left found it's way to Davis who slotted the ball through to Matthew O'Neill to beat the keeper at the near post. Westfields pressed forward in search of a consolation goal but Reynolds was in no mood to be beaten. Both teams should take credit for a excellent game of football.

Sun Sep 26: League Match 3
Orleton & District Colts - 2 (Fox, Sparrow)
Ledbury Swifts - 8 (Savidge, Parsons, Ndlovu, Crichard 3, Powell, Simpson)
Swifts gained their first win of the season last Sunday after a rather lack lustre performance against one of the weaker teams in the division. The early stages of the game were rather frantic to say the least, as Swifts failed to get any control of the game in midfield, this allowed Orleton to put unnecessary pressure on the Swifts back line. Swifts forward play was very slow and lethargic as Orleton players reacted quickest to the ball. When Swifts did manage to create some space poor crossing and bad passing let them down. On 25 mins Orleton took the lead when a simple ball through the defence was latched onto by the striker to score. Shortly after Crichard was denied by a excellant goal line clearance. Orleton were now defending desperately and it was no surprise Swifts levelled when Savage was first to the loose ball to lob the keeper. Just before the break Parsons put the Swifts in front, when a Peplow corner found it's way to the far post for him to rifle into the net. Swifts stepped up their game in the second half to take complete control. Firstly Ndlovu finished off a good move to make it 3-1, then Crichard fired in a quick double to make it 5-1. Orleton still tried to come forward, and defenders Nelder, Davies, Perry and Bubb-Sacklyn were given a testing time. Powell then eased Swifts concerns by adding a 6th after another good move. Orleton were then rewarded for their efforts when a speculative shot slipped through Reynolds grasp to make it 6-2. Swifts were now making plenty of chances, but the post and the bar came to Orleton's rescue. But Crichard was not to be denied his hat trick with another neat finish, and Swifts finished the rout when Simpson lashed home. Though Swifts won the game convincingly the quality of their play will have to improve when they take on Westfield's on Sunday.

Sun Sep 19: League Match 2
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Crichard)
Hereford Lads Club Colts - 3
Despite a battling performance Swifts went down to their second defeat of the season, when Lads Club scored two late goals to go back to Hereford with both points. This was always going to be a hard game for the Swifts after the final game of last season saw a win for the Swifts dump Lads Club out of the play-off places. The Colts are a very strong side so Swifts played five in midfield to try and stifle the play, but the Colts had the better of the half, and Swifts defence worked hard to keep them out. Colts had some good chances to take the lead but poor finishing and the crossbar saved the day for the Swifts. Then just before the break, Perry and Nelder caught the Colts' defence napping with a quickly taken throw, Nelder's cross came back off the far post for Crichard to score with a simple tap in. Swifts started the second half well, but thought they were a little hard done by when a tackle by Nelder in the box resulted in a penalty being given even though it looked like he played the ball first, Reynolds had no chance with the spot kick. Swifts continued to deny the Colts, with Davies, Park, Bubb-Sacklyn and Nelder defending at all costs. Crichard made a good run into the box, but took on one to many defenders and got crowded out. Perry was getting stronger as the game went on with some good work down the left. But one player stood out for the Swifts and that was Adam Davis his efforts in midfield were outstanding. With the Colts getting more and more frustrated alas the cynical side to their nature came to the fore and sad to say it was orchestrated by their manager, his assistants and supporters. With time running out Swifts thought they had earned a deserved point but were sunk with those two late goals. Swifts travel to Orleton & District on Sunday and will hope to get their first points of the season.

Sun Sep 12: League Match 1
Kington Town Colts - 1 (Pritchard)
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Swifts opened their league season with the long trip to Kington, and left wondering just how they never won this match. On a blustery afternoon it was Kington who had the better of the early exchanges, with some neat passing football. On 10 minutes they should have took the lead, when the striker was through on goal but shot wide. Shortly after this Swifts lost Calvin Ndlovu through a calf strain, this paved the way for Luke Simpson to make his debut for the club. Swifts were now getting more possession, thaks to the prompting of Adam Davis and Chris Savidge, this led to Sam Peplow and Tom Powell having shots saved by Kington's reliable keeper. Kington's attacks were now being well marshalled by the Swifts defence, with Luke Perry deputising at left doing a sound job. Swifts nearly took the lead when from another sustained attack Savidge saw his effort go agonisingly passed the far post. Right on the stroke of half time Swifts were punished for some slack defending when in failing to clear the ball the striker nipped in to prod the ball home. Swifts came out for the second half in detrermined fashion, and competly dominated thegame in every department. Sam Crichard was causing havoc down the right wing as the Swifts piled forward. Firstly Powell shot wide, then Peplow hit his effort at the keeper. Crichard then had two chances with only the keeper to beat but alas both went wide. Kington were struggling to get over the half way line, as Ian Davies, Alistair Park, Jamie Bubb-Sacklyn and Perry broke up the attacks with ease. Swifts thought they had equalised when Powell went through to slide the ball under the keeper, only to see a late offside flag raised. Swifts continued to press for a breakthrough as Peplow saw a shot saved by the keeper's legs, Powell again shot wide, and Crichard had the final two chances to salvage a deserved point but it was not to be his day, nor the Swifts. 

Pre-season Friendlies
Weston-under-Penyard - 0, Ledbury Swifts - 5
Ledbury Swifts - 1, Bromyard - 1