Ledbury Swifts travelled to Hereford hoping to reverse their losing start to the season in this Under 14's league game.
BELMONT 0, LEDBURY SWIFTS U14S 1
Played in swirling wind, Swifts started with good early pressure, and Jason Payne was unlucky to see his effort ruled offside. After 20 minutes Jason Payne swung the ball over from the right and Mark Carless met Tom Locke's knock down to score with an excellent volley. Soon afterwards Mark Carless was unfortunate when he shot over the bar and Dan Herbert then saw his shot drift just wide of the post.
Leading at half time, Swifts expected Belmont to come out for the second half in determined mood and so it proved, within a minute a powerful shot rebounded off the bar, and Swifts had to defend stoutly to keep their opponents at bay. Although Belmont now had most of the possession, Swifts looked dangerous on the break, with Jack Hodges and Tim Rutherford working hard in midfield. The tension mounted as Belmont won several corners and it was with relief that Swifts heard the final whistle signal their first victory of the season.
DORE VALLEY 0, LEDBURY SWIFTS 2
LEDBURY Swifts were involved in a very entertaining Under 10's League game at Dore Valley and managed to come away with their 100 per cent record still intact.
It was Ledbury who started the brighter, with Critchard going close early on, Valley were finding it hard to break through the midfield due to the hard work of Parson, Peplow and Savidge. Then on eight minutes Swifts took the lead Peplow fed Critchard whose shot was saved, but Parsons backing-up slotted the ball home. In the very next attack Savidge nearly scored with a fine shot. Dore Valley now came in to the game more, but the Swift's defence of Nelder and Davies stood firm, and Bayross in the Swifts goal only had one direct shot to save.
The second half was a lot closer as Dore Valley pushed for the equaliser, but a determined team effort kept them at bay. Swifts now started to have more of the game with the endless running of Savidge and Critchard creating chances and it was Dore Valley's turn to lead a charmed life, as shots by Davis and Parsons then Critchard and Savidge were all charged down in a goal mouth scramble. With only five minutes left Dore Valley nearly equalised when a shot hit the post and Bayross was glad to pick up the rebound. Then with just two minutes to go the hard working Critchard broke down the left, crossed inside to Adam Davis who beat the keeper with a low shot in to the corner to seal a well earned victory.
Swifts are at home tomorrow (Saturday) to Lads Club, kick-off 11.30am.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article