Ledbury Town Res 2 Malvern Town Res 3

A SLOW start to the second half cost Ledbury dearly as they lost a fiercely contested West Midlands League Division 1 South local derby in wild conditions at New Street.

After going in 0-0 at the break, they conceded two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the second period to give themselves an uphill battle for the rest of the game.

The first half was not pretty in the gale force winds, but Ledbury more than held their own. The opening spell in the second was a different matter as they offered little resistance and conceded two goals.

They pulled their socks up and reduced the arrears with a Grubb penalty, but this good work was spoilt when they handed the visitors a third goal following a defensive lapse.

Skipper Ashley Jones gave his side some hope when he scored, and 16-year-old debutant Tom Locke almost snatched a point with a fierce 25-yard drive. The Malvern keeper was equal to the challenge to make an excellent save and protect the lead.

-THE Ledbury Town versus Manchester United match in memory of the McCoig-Lees family, of whom three members were tragically killed in a motor accident, raised a total of £12,682.

The three benefactors of the event are St Michael's Hospice, St Catherine's Surgery and the Market Surgery.