IFK STROMSTAD U16s, a youth football side from Ledbury's Swedish twin town, visited Ledbury to see for themselves what it had to offer and, more importantly to them, to play a game against their hosts.

With 21 players in the party, an additional fixture was arranged so that all the visitors would have a chance to play.

The extra fixture was organised for the Thursday evening a mixture of Ledbury Swifts U15s and 16s were the opposition and the multiple use of substitutions ensured everyone played some part.

The match ended in a 3-3 draw with both teams taking turns to lead. Swifts led 1-0 and 2-1 but Stromstad hit back to lead 3-2 before Swifts equalised with a late goal.

Friday evening had a lot more formality associated with it. Under grey damp skies and before a crowd of approximately 100, the two teams were led out by their respective flags and posed for photographs before the kick off. The meeting of these two teams in Ledbury was a landmark occasion for Ledbury Swifts and the Ledbury Twinning Group, who have worked tirelessly to forge youthful and sporting links between the two towns.

The game itself kicked off at a frantic pace, the damp conditions making the ball zip off the surface. Dan Herbert and Tom Locke both went close for Swifts in the first half.

After the break the rain started again and the floodlights were switched on which all added to the atmosphere. Although there was no score the crowd were enthralled by the commitment shown by both sides and the different styles of play, Stromstad adopting their continental style to combat the more passionate style used by Swifts.

Another point blank save from the Stromstad keeper kept the scores level, a fitting result as both teams had tried their best in difficult conditions.

The Ledbury Cup, a cup introduced by the Twinning Group for sporting contest between the two towns, was shared by the teams although Stromstad were allowed to take it with them. The Swifts will re-claim it when they travel in July.

Both teams enjoyed a night in the Ledbury Town Club where the Swifts provided food and entertainment.

Ledbury Swifts would like to thank Ledbury Town for the use of their facilities for this special occasion.