Ledbury went into this West Midland Premier Division game without midfielders Smith, Hall and Brookes, leaving a new-look side to carry on with the fine 100 per cent start to the season.

LEDBURY TOWN 2, DUDLEY TOWN 2

The big plus for Ledbury was the signing of Lee Hooper from Malvern Town and he showed on the day why he was sought after with a brace of goals on his debut.

The match started with Ledbury playing well and mounting many attacks. A fine inswinging corner by Gareth Davis was met by Lee Hooper who headed home his first goal.

The change in the game came when the once-again influential Scott Mason left the field with a twisted ankle. This was the catalyst for Dudley to exploit Ledbury's weakened midfield and they did to some effect with two goals in five minutes through Baden and Pollard.

The second half started with Ledbury still on the back foot and they were reduced to sporadic attacks as they were now holding on under pressure.

Striker Robbie Colwell, forced to defend, was injured following a clash of heads and five minutes later was in the wars again when another collision of heads resulted in a nose injury.

The hold up seemed to break the pattern of play and the resulting action saw Colwell chip a cross over to the ever-ready Hooper to score goal number two.

Ledbury were happy to settle for a point although the midfield crisis will not go away and managers Ford and Barry will have their work cut out to stay unbeaten while players are unavailable.

Davis and Humphries in goal were excellent and Hooper seemed totally relaxed to play for his new club.

Ledbury's next league match is away at Bustleholme tomorrow (Saturday), kick off 2.45pm. Bus leaves 12.30pm from the New Street ground.

Ledbury Town are then at home on Tuesday (September 14) for a local derby game against Kington, kick off 7.45pm.