BOTTOM-placed Ledbury Town Reserves were boosted by the inclusion of Nick Welch, Stuart Hall, Lee Clueit, Neil Gardiner and Phil Preedy against reigning West Midland Division One (South) champions Bewdley Town on Saturday.

LEDBURY TOWN RESERVES 2, BEWDLEY TOWN 1

Mark Brooks and Duncan Preedy also sat this game out so new managers Steve Powell and Rich Welch could be loyal to the youngsters who had played all season.

Ledbury were under pressure early on from a well-organised Bewdley side who deservedly went ahead after 20 minutes when Rob Mullen, a new signing from Doc Martins outfit Evesham United, gave Dimitri in the Ledbury goal no chance with a rasping drive from 20 yards.

Ledbury then started to get more into the game with Ashley Jones and Hall getting to grips in midfield and full backs Tompkins and Thomas finding space down the flanks.

In the 35th minute Ledbury grabbed an equaliser when Gardiner brushed off two defenders before whipping in a cross and Preedy rose to power home a header.

In the second half Welch dropped back to sweeper in place of Gavin Locke, who had played well alongside Clueit, and the introduction of Chris Grubb and Pat Locke confirmed Ledbury's intentions of chasing the three points.

Grubb's willingness to run and support Preedy gave Ledbury a further boost and a great move involving Grubb, Hall and Preedy resulted in Preedy firing home to put the home side in front. Grubb was then unlucky with a header that flew past the upright.

Bewdley hit back strongly and it required two great tackles from Jones and Clueit and one tremendous save by Dimitri to hold on to the points and a deserved win.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury Town Reserves visit Chaddesley Corbett, who play at Brintons pitch. Kick-off 1.45pm.