Ledbury Swifts FC - Archive 2005-06

Under 12s Reports - 2005-06

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Wed Apr 26 - League Match 20
Hereford Lads Club - 2
Ledbury Swifts - 0

Like a good wine, Swifts have matured and improved significantly as the season has developed. Playing down the slope, Lebdury started brightly employing a five man midfield that Lads Club found difficult to deal with. Swifts carried the early threat down the left flank where David Benhenni and Ashley Smith have developed a very useful partnership. Swifts were quicker and sharper in midfield with AJ Smith snapping up numerous loose balls as the Hereford side struggled to find any rhythm. Strong tackling from Neil Green unsettled the home side and Sam Keetch was quick to pounce firing a long range effort just over the cross bar. With half time looming a quick counter attack saw the home side take the lead. Swifts momentarily lost concentration as Lads Club took advantage to double their lead. Ledbury responded magnificently and finished the half the stronger of the two sides. In the second half the Swifts adopted their more favoured flat back four formation. With the slope in their favour Lads Club pushed forward in search of further goals, but were denied by an outstanding display of committed defensive team work from this talented Swifts side. With Charlie Barrett anchoring the midfield in front of the back four and David Bryan giving another strong performance at the heart of the Swifts defence Lads Club were forced to attack out wide down the flanks. The home side found little reward as the hard working Alexander Firth broke up a number of attacks with a number of strong tackles and timely interceptions. Lads Club increased the pressure as the Swifts were saved by the crossbar and a stunning diving save from stand in keeper Gavin Walton. Jon Mowday worked tirelessly up front holding the ball up and chasing every ball to give his defensive team mates a well deserved break. Lads Club continued to hold the upper hand but could add no further scores in the face of the Swifts relentless battling, tackling blocking and covering. As an opening appeared it was as quickly closed down by a red and blue shirt. Earlier in the season the Swifts had lost this corresponding home fixture 6 -0 in a one sided match. The improvement in their performance since the play offs began has been stunning and bodes well for a successful 2006/7 season.


Wed Apr 19 - League Match 19
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Green, Mowday, Keetch)
Westfields - 1
Swifts, who were looking to avenge an earlier defeat in the first round of the IMI Mouldings Cup, started brightly. David Benhanni and Ashley Smith combined well down the left flank and Ashley's well placed cross gave Westfields an early indication of the threat posed by the Swifts down the flanks. Swifts were sharp in midfield where AJ Smith and Charlie Barrett tackled and harried their opponents relentlessly throughout the game. Gavin Walton, who like AJ Smith was playing his 100th competitive game for the Swifts, long throw in was flicked on by Sam Keetch to Neil Green whose strong run took him around the keeper to walk the ball over the line. Swifts continued to hold the upper hand but were caught by a quick counter attack from Westfields who levelled the scores just before half time. The second half saw the Swifts firing on all cylinders. Westfields were forced into some desperate defence, from a set piece move Alexander Firths fierce shot was deflected for a corner. From the corner Jon Mowday's well struck volley flew into the top corner to give the Swifts a well deserved lead. The home side then had three or four close chances to extend their lead as they dominated both territory and possession. Westfields tried to attack but the Swifts centre back pairing of Bryan and Walton were outstanding, their covering and reading of the game continually frustrating and negating the visiting strikers. Westfields use of long hopeful through balls bought little reward as Thomas Whatmore the vigilant Swifts keeper was quick to claim the ball and turn defence into attack. Westfields became more frustrated and resorted to a number of crude challenges that should have been more severely punished. Green's well placed through ball saw Keetch outpace the visitors defence to fire the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. This was arguably the Swifts best performance of the season and secures their first double of the season and 6th place in the League. One place separates these two sides in the League, but in terms of quality, skill, effort and teamwork the gap is a chasm.

Sun Apr 16 - League Match 18
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Keetch)
Monmouth Lads Club - 4
MLC started brightly and it was the home side that were forced to defend deep in their own half. The early pressure told and MLC took a well deserved lead. The visitors had a number of chances to extend their lead but were denied by some courageous goalkeeping from Thomas Whatmore bravely diving at the feet of an incoming striker on a number of occasions to keep the Swifts in the game. Swifts reorganised at half time and started the second half in determined fashion. It was the visitors turn to defend desperately as the Swifts passing and movement game finally swung into action. Neil Green, who was playing his 100th competitive game for the Swifts, excellent corner was volleyed home by Sam Keetch to bring the teams level. Swifts pushed forward and Ashley Smith’s powerful header from Neil Greens right wing cross flew just wide of the upright. MLC tried to come back but Captain AJ Smith and his centre back partner Gavin Walton were in excellent form and gave the pacey MLC strikers no room to threaten the Swifts goal. With wing backs David Benhanni and David Bryan pushing forward at every opportunity it was the Swifts who looked the more likely to score. Jon Mowday went close to scoring to give the Swifts the lead their efforts deserved. In the dying minutes MLC broke out to score against the run of play. This disrupted the Swifts rhythm and the home side were to concede two further late goals to give the visitors an extremely flattering victory. This was another committed performance from the Swifts in a game that bore no resemblance to the end score line where the home side deserved at least a share of the spoils.

Sun Apr 09 - League Match 17
Ross Juniors - 3
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Mowday, A Smith)
Last minute drop outs meant the Swifts were only able to field ten players. Despite this setback Ledbury started the game in breathtaking fashion producing a stunning display of passing football that had last season's League Champions chasing shadows for much of the first half. The Swifts created numerous half chances before Neil Greens excellent right wing cross found Ashley Smith who fired home the opening goal. Ross responded but the Swifts back three well marshalled by Gavin Walton gave the Ross strikers no opportunity to level the scores. Prompted by AJ Smith and Charlie Barrett Swifts pushed forward again and another stunning passing move between Sam Keetch, Neil Green and Jon Mowday saw the Swifts doubling their lead after Mowday fired home Green's excellent cross. Ashley Smith’s strong runs down the left wing gave the Swifts the opportunity to attack down both flanks, his well flighted cross was met by Keetch whose powerful header was cleared off the line by a Ross defender for a goal kick. Swifts football was exhilarating to watch and at times last seasons Champions were in danger of being blown away. As the game progressed the Swifts with no available substitutes and with three players feeling the effects of playing an earlier fixture in the morning visibly tired. Thomas Whatmore made two stunning saves and some excellent defending from Gavin Walton, David Benhanni and Alexander Firth kept the Swifts ahead. Eventually the pressure told and Ross scored three goals to secure a narrow victory. As in the previous week this was a game the Swifts could and probably should have won. Another excellent performance from the Swifts bodes well for next season for those players committed to this talented squad.

Sun Apr 02 - IMI Mouldings Cup - Round 1
Westfields - 3
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Mowday, Keetch)
Swifts travelled to Hereford to play Westfields in what was the Ledbury sides 100th competitive fixture. Swifts started brightly and good inter play between Ashley Smith and Alexander Firth down the left flank unsettled the home side. Westfields had the advantage of a strong wind at their backs and a long ball from defence unsettled the Swifts defence, Westfields taking full advantage to score the opening goal. Straight from the restart, following a set piece move, Swifts were level, Jon Mowday's persistence in the penalty area enabling him to slide home a deserved equaliser. Westfields with the elements at their back came back more into the game and Patrick Merryman the Swifts' keeper made an outstanding save to keep the scores level. Despite the pressure Westfields could find no way through the Swifts defence where Gavin Walton and David Bryan made a number of well timed tackles to break up a number of dangerous attacks. Swifts battled well and with AJ Smith and Charlie Barrett dominating possession in midfield it was the visitors who looked the most dangerous. The two Swifts midfielders who have developed a formidable partnership delivered some superb through balls that caused panic in the home defence. Westfields were forced to concede a free kick on the edge of the box, Neil Green’s long range effort flying just wide of the far upright. Swifts upped the tempo and Westfields conceded a penalty. Sam Keetch playing in his 100th consecutive competitive game for the Swifts calmly slotted the ball home to take his Swifts career total to 121 goals to give the visitors a narrow lead. In the second half with the strong wind at the backs the Swifts would have expected to extend their lead. Ashley Smith and Harry Smith both provided dangerous crosses into the box but the Swifts could not convert their early pressure into goals. Green, who was outstanding throughout the game, was a constant threat to the home defence with his power and pace and his performance alone merited a victory for the Swifts. With no available substitutes and with one or two players feeling the effects of playing an earlier fixture in the morning Swifts visibly tired. They were second or even third to the ball and Westfields sensing the chance to secure a first ever victory over this Swifts side added two late goals to secure a narrow victory.

Sun Mar 25 - League Match 16
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Leominster Minors - 2
Leominster, who started as unbeaten league leaders, started brightly and the Swifts debutant keeper Patrick Merryman made a number of comfortable saves. From a defensive throw in, poor play from the Swifts gifted possession to Leominster, the visitors taking full advantage to deliver a dangerous cross and fire home the opening goal. Swifts responded well and good inter play between Harry Smith and Neil Green, using the skills honed on the training ground to create a marvellous opportunity, unfortunately the effort flying just wide of the far upright. In an evenly matched game neither side was able to impose any sustained pressure, Shaun Taylor, David Bryan and Gavin Walton at the heart of the Swifts defence shackling the lively Leominster strikeforce. In the second half, backed by a vociferous crowd, the Swifts upped the tempo. Ashley Smith and Alexander Firth combined well down the left flank as the visitors defence came under real pressure. The Swifts were unable to maintain any real pressure as constant infringements from throw ins simply handed possession back to the visitors. Jon Mowday and Sam Keetch battled well up front and with Charlie Barrett pushing forward from midfield the Swifts went in search of a deserved equaliser. In the dying minutes it was Leominster who had the final word, a speculative long ball from defence was tucked away to the audible relief of the visiting supporters. The Swifts gave another committed performance but will look back on this game as an opportunity lost.

Sun Mar 19 - League Match 15
Bartestree - 3
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Ledbury started brightly, Neil Green and Harry Smith combining well down the right flank as the Swifts went in search of an early opening goal. Bartestree came more into the game as play switched from end to end in what became a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing game of football between two evenly matched sides. Swifts debutant left back David Benhenni, who gave an impressive performance throughout the whole game, made a number of well timed tackles to deny the home side goal scoring opportunities. Bartestree used the slope well to deliver some dangerous crosses, but these were confidently claimed by Thomas Whatmore the Swifts keeper. Swifts upped the tempo with AJ Smith and Charlie Barrett securing the lions share of possession in midfield. Alexander Firth, who was the Swifts' man of the match, caused the home sides defence numerous problems with his powerful running and clever distribution of the ball and both he and Jon Mowday went close to opening the scoring for the Swifts. A speculative through ball from the home side evaded the visitors cover defence and Bartestree slotted home the opening goal. Swifts had the advantage of the slope in the second half and carried the early threat. The Swifts central defenders Gavin Walton and David Bryan were confident in the air as the visitors looked the most likely to score. Ashley Smith’s hard work down the left flank paid dividends with Sam Keetch and Charlie Barrett both forcing saves from the Bartestree keeper. Bartestree struck back and added two late goals to give a flattering score line in a game that was very evenly balanced throughout. This was another outstanding and excellent performance from the Swifts and was a vast improvement on the earlier fixture between these two sides when Bartestree romped home 7–1.

Sun Mar 05 - League Match 14
Hereford Junior Dynamos - 1
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Green, Keetch, Mowday)
Fixtures between these two sides have always been closely contested games and with one place separating the sides in the League this was to be no exception. Swifts gave a debut to Shaun Taylor, signed from Malvern Town who plays with a number of other Swifts players at Worcester City Academy. The first half was littered with mistakes from both sides as the Swifts who were playing their first competitive game for five weeks struggled to find any fluency in their play. In the second half Swifts switched Alexander Firth to the left wing with stunning effect, his skilful play forced the home side to concede a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Neil Green's trade mark free kick into the top corner giving the Swifts the lead. Dynamos came straight back into the game and Ledbury were forced to defend deep in their own half. Taylor and David Bryan at the heart of the Swifts defence were outstanding and made a number of last ditch tackles to prevent the home side equalising. With only ten players, Swifts were forced to defend ever deeper and eventually the home side got the equaliser their efforts deserved. Ledbury responded in style with Ashley Smith and Firth combining well down the left wing the Swifts could stretch the home defence down both flanks. Dynamos were again forced to concede a free kick; their keeper making a stunning save from Green's powerful shot but he could do nothing as Sam Keetch crashed home the loose ball. Dynamos launched a number of attacks and only some desperate defending and excellent goalkeeping from Thomas Whatmore the outstanding Swifts keeper maintained the visitor's slender lead. AJ Smith and Charlie Barrett, the central midfield dynamos worked tirelessly, strong tackling coupled with clever distribution of the ball forced the game in favour of the outnumbered but fitter Swifts side. Green's excellent right wing cross was met by Ashley Smith whose well struck effort flew just wide of the far upright. With the Swifts pushing forward, Jon Mowday's stunning strike from outside the penalty box flew into the top corner to secure the game for the Swifts. This was an outstanding display from the Swifts whose ten players gave a ten out of ten performance. Men of the match – all ten Swifts players – simply outstanding.

Sun Jan 29 - League Match 13
Monmouth Lads Club - 5
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Swifts were once again heavily affected by illness and injury and for periods of the game were only able to field nine players. With a play off place assured Swifts took the opportunity to review their formation. David Bryan moved to central defence to partner Gavin Walton and for long periods of the game they gave a solid performance. Alex Firth and Neil Green combined well down the right flank as the Swifts noticeably improved their game in the second half. Harry Smith moved from central defence into a holding midfield role, a tactic adopted later in the day by a slightly more famous club from Manchester. Harry was partnered in midfield by Sam Keetch and the two worked well as the Swifts gave a brave and committed second half performance. Strikers Jake Bramley and Jon Mowday worked tirelessly and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Thomas Whatmore made a number of brave saves with Dan Burrell, Luke Haynes and Ashley Smith working well on the left flank.

Sun Jan 22 - League Match 12
Leominster Minors Colts - 1
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Bramley 2)
Swifts travelled north to play Leominster Minors Colts and gave a five star performance to secure their fifth consecutive League victory. As for all but one of their games this season the Swifts were affected by unavailability and injury and were only just able to field a side. Ledbury started brightly forcing the home side to defend deep in their own half. The visitors appeared to have taken an early lead when Gavin Walton slotted the ball home only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. AJ Smith, who has added real creativity to the Swifts midfield, setting up two goals for Jake Bramley as the Swifts moved into a well deserved lead. The Colts responded and Thomas Whatmore was forced to make a brave save to deny the home side a goal. The Swifts continued to dominate play and Sam Keetch and Alexander Firth both had well struck shots saved by the impressive Colts keeper. Swifts continued to hold the upper hand and their wide players of Neil Green, Ashley Smith and Luke Haynes caused the home side constant problems. Unfortunately for the Swifts all too often the final deliveries flew wide and the visitors were unable to convert their pressure into additional goals. The Colts broke quickly from defence and snatched a late goal. The Colts went in search of an equaliser but were denied by the impressive Harry Smith who with Dan Burrell and Charlie Barrett made a number of important tackles. Swifts added a third but as in the first half the goal was disallowed for offside. The win moves the Swifts to fourth equal in the League and all but guarantees them a place in the Championship Play Off.

Sun Dec 18 - League Match 11
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Green, Mowday, Keetch)
Weobley - 0
On a surface masquerading as a football pitch it was the visitors who were the first to settle. Weobley were quickly on the offensive and created a few early chances which were confidently dealt with by Thomas Whatmore the Swifts keeper. These saves boosted the home side who came more into the game. Captain Charlie Barrett’s intricate through ball finding Neil Green who calmly chipped the keeper to give the Swifts the lead. Weobley responded but were unable to break through the impressive Swifts central defenders of Harry Smith and Gavin Walton who both gave another faultless display. The second half saw the Swifts quickly on the attack, full backs Dan Burrell and David Bryan aggressive tackling coupled with good inter play forced the visitors to defend deep in their own half. Green's excellent right wing cross was slotted home by Jon Mowday as the Swifts doubled their advantage. With Alexander Firth and AJ Smith first to every loose ball the home side dominated both possession and territory. Another cross from man of the match Green was volleyed goal-bound by Ashley Smith, the Weobley keeper making a quite unbelievable save to deny the home side a third goal. Weobley were forced into some desperate defence and could not clear the ball from their own half. Gavin Walton's long range effort flying just wide of the post. Sam Keetch adding the Swifts third goal of the game with a delicate chip over the Weobley keeper. The visitors responded and went in search of a consolation goal; Whatmore coming of his line quickly to make a brave save thus ensuring that his side kept their third clean sheet in the last four games. This was another excellent and committed all round performance from the Swifts, the result moves them up to fifth in the League.

Sun Dec 11 - League Match 10
Hereford Lads Club Colts - 0
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Firth, Keetch 2)
No match report available.

Sun Dec 04 - League Match 9
Ledbury Swifts - 10 (Green, Barrett, Smith, Keetch, Mowday 3, Bramley 3)
Hinton - 1
No match report available.

Sun Nov 13 - League Match 8
Ledbury Swifts - 3 (Smith, Mowday, Keetch)
Golden Valley - 0
No match report available.

Sun Nov 06 - League Match 7
Leominster Minors - 4
Ledbury Swifts - 0
No match report available.

Sun Oct 30 - League Match 6
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Keetch)
Bartestree - 7
No match report available.

Sun Oct 23 - League Match 5
Westfields - 2
Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Green, Haynes, Bramley 2)
Westfields were top of the League having won all five of their opening games and started the brighter of the two sides forcing Swifts into some desperate defending. The home side seemed a yard quicker to every ball and it was no surprise when they took a deserved lead. The Swifts were at sixes and sevens and Westfields missed a number of opportunities to extend their lead. Ledbury bought on Luke Haynes to provide some much needed width down their left flank. AJ Smith’s excellent through ball forcing the Westfields defence into a desperate clearance. Harry Smith’s well taken throw releasing Haynes whose excellent cross was fired home by Neil Green to bring the Swifts level. The Swifts enjoyed their best period of the half with their competitive midfield duo Ashley Smith and Charlie Barrett securing vital possession for the visitors. David Bryan and Jon Mowday combined well down the right flank with Jon’s effort flying just wide. Westfields broke out and were awarded a penalty which was well placed to give the home side a deserved half time lead. The second half started with the Swifts again on the defensive, good saves from Thomas Whatmore the Swifts keeper and a number of brave last ditch tackles from the excellent Gavin Walton kept the visitors in the game. Sam Keetch moved back into midfield where he has formed a strong partnership with Green. There sublime passing and movement unlocking the Westfields defence as they played a major part in each of the three goals that the Swifts scored in the last ten minutes. Haynes scoring the vital equaliser to round off a fine individual performance on the left wing. Jake Bramley, as so often this season the recipient of his team mates unselfish play adding the last two. Westfields were unlucky not to have won this encounter as for 50 minutes of the 60 they dominated the game.

Sun Oct 16 - League Match 4
Ledbury Swifts - 0
Hereford Lads Club - 6
No match report available

Sun Oct 09 - Wyvern Flooring Cup - Round 1
Monmouth Lads Club - 4
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Mowday, Keetch)
Swifts started brightly with their industrious midfield of Charlie Barrett and Ashley Smith securing the lions share of possession. Gavin Walton and AJ Smith excelled at the heart of the Swifts defence as the visitors looked to secure a first-ever victory against MLC in 11-a-side football. MLC were always dangerous on the counter attack and the Swifts were forced to concede a free kick following a break out by the home side. The well placed shot flying into the far corner to give the home side the lead. Swifts responded well and for the first time in the game played with real width. Neil Green's excellent cross was headed on by Ashley Smith who has added much needed aerial power to the Swifts midfield and Jon Mowday finishing off the move with a strong header at the back post to level the score. The turning point in the game came early in the second half; a number of strong challenges meant a number of Swifts players were forced to leave the field. With only one substitute available the Swifts were in danger of running out of players. MLC took full advantage to rattle in three quick goal and could have added more but for a number of brave and excellent saves by Swifts keeper Thomas Whatmore. Ledbury bravely came back into the game and good work by Jake Bramley and Luke Haynes on the left flank exposed the home side's frailty in defence. Luke's excellent cross was fired home by Sam Keetch. In the final quarter the Swifts went in search of a third goal, David Bryan and Alexander Firth making strong runs down the flanks but Ledbury were unable to turn their superiority into goals. This was a brave and committed performance from all twelve Swifts players; sadly their dream of playing in the cup final at Edgar Street for a second consecutive season was to end at the first hurdle.

Sun Oct 02 - League Match 3
Sutton Scorpions - 2
Ledbury Swifts - 4 (Firth, Keetch, A Smith, Green)
Sutton, who have won all of their opening games, started confidently and the Swifts were pinned back in their own half. Sutton exploited their superiority on their left flank to create the opening goal, but Swifts came back strongly and despite playing up the slope forced the home side to defend deep in their own half. Wing-back Harry Smith, who has perfected both the attacking and defensive aspects of his role, delivered an excellent left wing cross, Alexander Firth's crisp finish bringing the Swifts level. Ledbury continued to push forward and Neil Green's well-timed cross from the right was slotted home by Sam Keetch as the visitors secured a half-time lead. In the second half Sutton came back strongly. AJ Smith and Gavin Walton making a number of telling tackles and well timed headed clearances as the Scorpions went in search of an equaliser. A goal-bound shot was brilliantly turned round the post by the Swifts keeper Thomas Whatmore as the visitors held on to their slender lead. Sutton continued to threaten and Thomas was forced to make another timely save. His well placed clearance was sublimely laid off by Keetch to Green whose excellent early cross was slotted home by Ashley Smith. Four players, three passes, one shot, net result: A stunning goal that would grace any game. Sutton were rocked and with Captain Charlie Barrett, leading by example, tackling, tracking back and covering, the home side were forced to defend deep in their own half. Sutton were forced to concede a free kick, Green's powerful shot proved too strong for the keeper as the Swifts moved into a 4–1 lead. Jake Bramley and David Bryan worked well down the flanks as the Swifts looked to extend their lead. Ledbury hit the bar and had numerous efforts spin just wide of the goal. With no substitutes the Swifts tired and in the 70th minute Sutton scored their second goal but the visitors held on for a thoroughly deserved victory. This was an outstanding display from all eleven Swifts players packed with skill, hard work, courage and commitment culminating in a team performance that ranks as arguably their best ever.

Sun Sep 18 - League Match 2
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Bramley, Green)
Ross Juniors - 2
Both sides started brightly passing the ball confidently. Initially the home side struggled to cope with the more physical approach adopted by the former champions. The visitors pushed forward and were awarded a free kick. Poor defensive work from the Swifts allowed the Ross striker a free header to give the visitors the lead. The Swifts responded well and adopted a more physical approach to their own game. Charlie Barrett and Ashley Smith who have formed a very solid midfield partnership worked tirelessly tackling and closing their opponents down. The home side’s defensive partnership of AJ and Harry Smith formed a solid combination; Harry in particular gave an outstanding performance throughout the game. Ross were pushed further back allowing the Swifts full backs Alexander firth and David Bryan to join the home sides attacks. Sam Keetch unselfishly setting up Jake Bramley to volley home the equaliser. Jon Mowday's strong run caused the Ross defence to concede a free kick. Neil Green firing home to give the Swifts a narrow lead. Ross came back into the game and created a number a number of dangerous crosses which were comfortably dealt with by Thomas Whatmore the impressive Swifts keeper. The Swifts looked well placed to secure a narrow victory that their performance deserved. In the dying minutes a clearance from inside the Swifts penalty area was charged down by the Ross striker the rebound flying into the top corner. This was another excellent performance from the Swifts whose commitment, fitness and technique have been a delight to watch.

Sun Sep 11 - League Match 1
Ledbury Swifts - 8 (A Smith, Mowday, Bramley, Haynes, Green, Keetch 3)
Bromyard Town - 0
Swifts fielded a full-strength side included Ashley Smith and Luke Haynes their two new summer signings. The home side started confidently their passing and movement causing the Bromyard defence a number of problems. Swifts' full-backs Harry Smith and Alexander Firth pushed forward at every opportunity ensuring the home side played with pace and width. Good interplay down the right flank from Harry Smith created space in the penalty area, Ashley Smith scoring the opening goal on his debut. Jon Mowday added a second, coolly rounding the keeper and Jake Bramley out-jumping the Bromyard defence to score the third. The visitors responded and came back into the game, but they could find no way through the impressive Swifts defensive partnership of AJ Smith and Gavin Walton; both players excelled throughout the game both in their defensive duties but also in their clever distribution of the ball, frequently turning defence into attack. Sam Keetch added three further goals as the Swifts upped the tempo the game. Ledbury Captain Charlie Barrett seemed to cover every blade of grass making a number of telling challenges as the home side continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession. Luke Haynes' fierce left foot volley flew in to the far corner of the net to match Ashley's achievement of scoring on his debut. David Bryan used his pace to good effect intercepting a number of through balls as well as providing an attacking option for the swifts down the flanks. Neil Green, who had worked tirelessly throughout the game cut in from the right wing to score the eighth and final goal of the game. To their credit Bromyard never gave up and a clever move saw their striker clear through on goal. Thomas Whatmore the Swifts keeper saving bravely to ensure the home side recorded their first clean sheet of the season. This was a very impressive performance from the whole squad who all played with real quality. The passing and movement throughout the whole game was excellent.

Sat Sep 03 - Pre-season Friendly
Worcester City Development - 3
Ledbury Swifts - 2 (Green, Mowday)
Worcester City Development Squad is a side selected from the best players from teams competing in the Worcestershire Leagues. Playing up the slope the Swifts started brightly, passing the ball with great confidence. Swifts' midfield partnership of AJ Smith and Charlie Barrett combined well as the visitors secured the majority of the early possession. Ledbury full backs David Bryan and Alexander Firth added real pace and width to the visitors attack as they went in search of the opening goal. Swifts were strengthened by the welcome return to the side of Jon Mowday and his strike partnership with Sam Keetch was to cause the Worcester defence problems throughout the game. Against the run of play a long clearance exposed the Swifts frailty in the air in the heart of the midfield. The Worcester striker quick to exploit the opening slotted the ball home for the opening goal. Undeterred Swifts bounced back straight on the attack but were again undone by another long clearance. The home side adding a second and were unlucky not to score a third when a fierce shot crashed off the upright. In the second half the Swifts reorganised their midfield and were quickly back on the attack. The home side were forced to concede a corner and Neil Green's well-flighted cross flew into the top corner. From the restart Worcester forced a corner of their own and exploited their superiority in the air by scoring their third goal of the game. With the slope in their favour the Swifts pushed forward with Harry Smith and Jake Bramley both making a telling number of tackles. Swifts carried the greater threat and Ashley Smith, Gavin Walton and Sam Keetch all went close to scoring for the Swifts. In a rare attack Worcester broke free but Tom Whatmore made a brave save at the strikers feet to deny the home side a fourth goal. Excellent inter play between the Swifts strikers put Jon Mowday through to score the Swifts second goal of the game. This was an excellent performance against a team that they should have beaten comfortably. Not for the first time the Swifts frailty in the air was to cost them the game.

Sat Aug 27 - Pre-season Friendly
Ledbury Swifts - 2
Newtown Sports - 1 (Keetch)
Match report not available

Sat Aug 20 - Pre-season Friendly
Shrewsbury Town - 2
Ledbury Swifts - 1 (Keetch)
Swifts travelled to the National Training Centre at Lilleshall to Play Shrewsbury Town Centre of Excellence in a pre- season friendly. The young Ledbury squad was honoured to have the use of the excellent facilities which are regularly used by the full England Squad in preparation for their International fixtures. The Swifts gave debuts to two new players; Ashley Smith who also plays for Birmingham City Academy and Andrew Hitchings who is hoping to transfer his success on the cricket square where he represents Herefordshire to the football pitch. In the second game of the day the Swifts started brightly. The Swifts midfield of Neil Green, Ashley Smith, Sam Keetch and team captain Charlie Barrett combined well and with strikers Andrew Hitchings and Jake Bramley it was the Swifts who carried the early threat. Shrewsbury had already demonstrated their ability and a slick passing move resulted in them taking the lead against the run of play. Swifts hit back with Sam Keetch finding the net with a sweetly struck shot from 20 yards to go with the hat trick he scored against this Shrewsbury side last season. Swifts continued to push forward in what had become an enthralling contest. Fatigue started to take its toil on the Swifts who at one time were reduced to only nine players. Shrewsbury sensing victory pushed forward but excellent tackling from Harry Smith, AJ Smith Alexander Firth, David Bryan and Gavin Walton denied the home side on a number of occasions. The swifts were pushed further back and the pressure on the visitors steadily increased. Thomas Whatmore, carrying on his excellent form from last season, made three outstanding saves as the Swifts hung on to parity. Eventually the pressure told a deep right wing cross headed powerfully home to give Shrewsbury a deserved victory. Swifts can take great credit from this performance.