Bartestree 2 Ledbury Town 1

FIVE players were red-carded in an explosive Herefordshire derby in this West Midlands League Division Two top-of- the-table clash, writes TOM VALE.

A mass brawl, which erupted in stoppage time, overshadowed a thrilling finale which saw Bartestree score two late goals, including a last-gasp penalty, to seal the points.

A poor tackle in front of the dugouts saw players, coaches and supporters clash, and even players’ girlfriends rush on to the field to try to restore order.

“They were ugly scenes and you don’t really like seeing those things in football,”

said Ledbury Town and England Blind Football team goalkeeper, Lewis Skyers.

“I’ve been involved in a few local derbies and it’s all about local bragging rights.”

Ledbury manager Chris Powell said: “I’m disappointed about the scuffle at the end but when there’s so much passion – that’s what happens.”

But Ledbury were celebrating promotion on Tuesday after Hereford Lads Club lost 3-2 at Gornal Athletic Reserves.

“There are plans for the boys to get back after Saturday’s game against Red Star and have a few beers to celebrate,” said Powell.

Powell was disappoined to lose against Bartestree having taken the lead with 10 men.

“The better team didn’t win as I believe in my boys.

I’m bitterly disappointed to have lost late on like that.”

Opposite number Dave Cadwallader said: “We deserved the win and the better side certainly won.

“I was worried that it wasn’t going to be our day when they were 1-0 up with just minutes to go.

“That’s why we’re not top of the league – because we tend to stop and give in but today we showed some passion and belief to turn it around.

“Miles Langford worked his socks off and at only 17 years old, he has a great future.”

The home side felt hard done by in the 23rd minute when Ledbury goalkeeper Skyers ran out to challenge Langford, colliding with the striker.

The incident could have seen the shot-stopper sentoff but the referee awarded the free kick to the visitors.

“I had every intention of going for the ball and I did make contact with it,” said Skyers.

“I think the opposition could have had instructions to rough me up so I just protected myself.” he added.

But just a few minutes later, the visitors were down to 10 men when Ian Merrick reacted to a tackle from Darren Andrews.

Ledbury had been dominating proceedings but Bartestree were looking a threat on the break and with the extra man, they began to find their stride.

Langford beat two defenders and unleashed a shot that Skyers had to palm wide before half-time.

After the break, Dan Herbert had two shots saved by Rauri Wargent.

The visitors took the lead in the 64th minute when Jamie Welch held the ball up for Tom Boyle to neatly tuck past the keeper.

Tempers began to flare and Bartestree were soon reduced to 10 men when Marc Avery was dismissed for dissent.

Ledbury sensed victory and Welch had a closerange effort cleared off the line before James Upcott surged down the right flank for Bartestree, crossing for Langford who nodded home the equaliser.

Ledbury were reduced to nine men when Herbert earned a second booking.

In time added on, Bartestree counter-attacked with three versus two in which Parry was upended by Skyers in the penalty area.

“It was a penalty. He beat me and I did touch him,”

admitted Skyers.

The goalkeeper received a yellow card before Tom Parry stepped up to fire the ball into the top corner.

Another Bartestree break saw Langford racing away before being brought down by Scott Roberts, sparking the mass mele.

Roberts was dismissed, along with Bartestree substitute Tom Davies, but both teams shook hands after the final whistle.

LEDBURY Town goalkeeper Lewis Skyers will be heading to Italy later this summer in the quest for English glory at the European Blind Football Championships.

“We finished third last time so this time we’re looking to improve on that,” said the shot-stopper.

“I’m still the number one keeper and everything seems to be going well under the new management and the boys have adjusted to it.

“The future looks exciting for the team.”

The 29-year-old added: “I’ll hopefully be involved in some capacity at Ledbury next season, but like this year, I’ll play when I can but it depends on my commitments with the blind team.

“I want to keep playing 11-a-side football when I can, to keep my fitness up and pick up a few coaching badges along the way.

I’d like to get my Uefa ‘B’ licence and go from there.

“My main aim, though, is to be in goal with the Blind team for as long as possible, especially in the next Paralympics in Rio.”

BARTESTREE boss Dave Cadwallader believes his side have not done as well as they should have this season.

“We’re probably the best side in the league and what we have done this season unfortunately won’t be enough for promotion,”

he said.

“We’ve under-achieved and, with the quality we’ve got here, we should be sat in the top two.

“To sum it up, it’s been disappointing.

“Next year we want to be getting promoted and the five-year plan is to get to the West Midlands League Premier Division and go from there,” said Cadwallader.

LEDBURY Town joint-manager Chris Powell admitted that he doesn’t know whether he will be at the club next season.

“I will have to have a think about my future because I have other commitments and there are things coming up,” he said.

“My assistant Phil Preedy will definitely be at the club next season.”

Powell has led Ledbury to Worcestershire Infirmary Junior Cup success this season.