Ledbury Swifts travelled into Wales to open their Under 14's League campaign.

PRESTEIGNE 5, LEDBURY SWIFTS 2

It was six months since their last competitive match and it showed as the home side moved and passed to great effect. Most of the first half was played around the Swift's penalty area, and it was surprising that Presteigne only scored twice. Both goals were headed in from the barrage of corners. With the half time whistle due, Tim Rutherford created an opening for Joe Maggs to fire the ball home for 2-1.

The half time talk inspired Swifts to a better performance, Oliver Dunn shooting just wide soon after the break. Unfortunately a defensive misunderstanding allowed a Kington player to round Mike Hill and increase the Presteigne lead. Another break saw a fourth goal from an acute angle.

Tim Rutherford moved into midfield to try to establish some control and his fine run and cross was rewarded when a home player turned the ball into the net to make it 2-4. Swifts' joy was short-lived, as another excellent passing move saw a home player smash the ball home.

Swifts will hope for a better performance this Sunday when they entertain last season's champions, Lads Club.

BARTESTREE COLTS 1, LEDBURY SWIFTS 3

SWIFTS got off to a winning start in thes U10's league on Saturday with a hard fought game at Bartestree.

Right from the kick off Swifts took control and kept Bartestree in their own half for long periods. The midfield trio of Powell, Febery and Perry were creating a lot of chances and with the Swifts so much on top a goal had to come and on 18 minutes a shot by Adam Davis was turned into his own goal by a defender. Bartestree were finding it hard to put any attacks together so it was no surprise that Ledbury doubled their lead when Perry flicked home off a post.

The second half was a lot harder for Swifts and for the first time they found themselves under pressure. Despite the hard running of Parsons and Savidge chances were hard to come by. Though Bartestree were having a good spell it came as a shock when they scored, a long range shot somehow went through Bayross's legs in the Swifts' goal. Ledbury now went up a gear and with only five minutes left scored the all important third goal with a fine shot from Savidge.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Swifts are at home to Fownhope, kick off 11.30am.