Ledbury'S great recent spell continued at the hands of West Midlands Premier Division leaders and neighbours Malvern Town on Saturday.

MALVERN TOWN 1, LEDBURY TOWN 2

This was a very crucial game for both sides, Ledbury are now 15 points behind Malvern but have five games in hand.

Ledbury were once again hit by suspension and injuries with leading goal scorers Rob Colwell and Phil Preedy both out and reserve team striker Chris Grubb having to go between the sticks.

Tactics played a big part in this game and the Ledbury manager Paul Wilband came out on top, playing Duncan Preedy as a lone striker. Malvern had the lion's share of the play but failed to put Ledbury under any serious pressure and, for all their territorial play, only looked like scoring once in the first half when Des Cox's 25-yard shot was brilliantly tipped over by Grubb.

Ledbury had a clear cut chance to open the scoring when Preedy got clear of Cannon and squared the ball to Neil Gardiner who blazed over from six yards.

Ledbury silenced the home crowd when skipper Stu Hall brilliantly curled home a 25 yard free kick giving Alden no chance in the home goal.

The second half was in the same vein as the first with chances at a minimum. Mark Green was unlucky not to increase Ledbury's lead when Clayton cleared his header off the line, but on 65 minutes the game turned when a clash between Green and Hooper saw the latter booked, but the unfortunate Green given a red card.

Such is the spirit in the Ledbury camp they rolled up their sleeves. Former Malvern player Mark Brooks along with Stu Smith and Stu Hall were outstanding in midfield and Lee Clueit, Chris Powell and Nick Welch were strong at the back. Sub Edwards supported Preedy and Gardiner and it came as no surprise when Duncan Preedy cut in from the left, beating Cannon and Clayton, and drove past Alden at the near post to put Ledbury two up.

Then Gardiner went on a dazzling run and smashed a shot against the woodwork.

With five minutes remaining Scot Morris headed home a cross to reduce the arrears but the final onslaught never materialised and Ledbury coped easily with what Malvern had to offer.

This was the fourth straight league win for Ledbury and leaves them handily placed with games in hand on all teams above them.

Manager Paul Wilband was obviously delighted and said: "Once again with key players out and again being reduced to ten men the players were tremendous. I really feel sorry for Mark Green and we will be appealing against the sending-off.

"I would also like to thank the Ledbury fans. It was more like a home game."

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury Town are at home to Lye Town, kick off 2.45pm.