Ledbury Swifts Under 14's travelled to Hereford Junior Bulls for their first game of the season.

HEREFORD JUNIOR BULLS 2,

LEDBURY SWIFTS 2

Both sides looked very sharp and the game was played at a very fast pace with Ledbury creating several goal scoring chances in the first 15 minutes. Once the game settled down, however, it was Hereford Bulls who opened the scoring with a well taken goal to lead 1-0 at half time.

Within minutes of the second half getting underway, the Bulls increased their lead to 2-0 when one of their attackers was left unmarked in the penalty area. This seemed to inspire the Swifts and they suddenly seemed to step up a gear, playing excellent football that seemed to split the Bulls' defence wide open, and a goal seemed inevitable. A well worked move from the half way line saw Spencer Rouse finish off with a well taken goal when he rounded the goal keeper.

The Swifts kept up the pressure and a free kick by Matthew Fortnum some 30 yards from the goal found the head of David Crowe who scored th equaliser with only a few minutes of the game remaining.

This was an outstanding performance by the Swifts, kindly sponsored by Haygrove Fruit, and they now look forward to another away game against Holme Lacy on Sunday at 10.30am.

CORTON JUNIORS 2, LEDBURY SWIFTS UNDER 13'S 2

SWIFTS made the long journey to Presteigne to open their under 13's league season and after withstanding some early pressure a break down the left saw Mark Carless cross the ball low across the box for the unmarked Dan Powell to slot the ball home.

Swifts now dominated the game with quality passing football. Tim Rutherford, restored to midfield, worked tirelessly to ensure Swifts controlled play. As half time approached Swifts were rocked by a serious injury to their influential captain, Dan Herbert. There was a lengthy delay until the ambulance arrived and Dan was taken to hospital where he was found to have a broken ankle.

After the restart Swifts picked up where they left off and another Mark Carless cross was volleyed home by Jack Hodges to give Swifts a 2-0 lead.

Corton came out after the break seeking goals and after five minutes caught Swifts napping with a short corner. The ball bobbed around the box until a shot underneath the bar was adjudged to have crossed the line. Corton now went after the equaliser and in their next attack one of their forwards crumpled in the box and a penalty was awarded. Mike Hill had no chance with the spot kick.

Swifts tried hard to find the winning goal but had to settle for the draw when the final whistle went. Best wishes to Dan for a "swift" recovery.

HINTON 1, LEDBURY SWIFTS UNDER 11'S 3

PLAYING on a full size pitch for the first time this season, Ledbury won with a superb all round team performance.

Starting slowly it was ten minutes before they ventured into the Hinton penalty box. After a succession of corners A Savage scored a close range header. Ten minutes later good work by L Bishop crossing for S Dixon to score. Half time 0-2.

More good work by S Gardner with L Bishop crossing for A Savage to score his second. Hinton scored with ten minutes left and put pressure on the Swifts' defence but they held firm.

Man of the Match - Saul Gardner.