SHOBDON are pleased to be holding their own in their new season in the Herefordshire League Premier Division.

And table-topping Ewyas Harold were delighted to prove their resilience by bouncing back with a win at their village rivals' aerodrome ground after a midweek mauling by Westfields in the HFA County Challenge Cup.

"We tried hard and are finding our feet in the Premier Division after promotion last season," said stalwart Mark Ammonds.

"It's a big step up but we are holding our own.

"If we can finish above Weobley and Ross Juniors, who were promoted with us last season, then anything else would really be a bonus.

"Now, hopefully, we can go on and finish in the top five - that would be more than we expected at the start of the season.

"But all of the sides who were promoted are doing all right this time."

Ammonds had something of a rush to get to the Shobdon ground but had little alternative than to be there from the outset.

"I was told I was playing in goal so I had to be there for the start and I was at work until 2pm at Moreton-on-Lugg," he said.

"I got there just in time for the kick-off."

It was Ammonds' first-time between the posts this term in a season where he has had to show his versatility.

"I kept goal all last season because I had missed pre-season training as I was recovering from a broken ankle," he said.

"But Andy Price has come in from Leominster and is a decent keeper so he's been our regular this season.

"I'm happy to fill in where necessary and I've played everywhere this season except right-back and left-back."

Neither keeper was overworked in a game which produced few opportunities.

Ammonds was beaten by a Kieron Jones own goal in the first period and then once more after the break when experienced Willie Lindesay popped up at the far post to head in.

"We huffed and we puffed," said Ammonds. "But Ewyas Harold are a good side and we didn't have many chances."

Harold boss Rob Calderhead was delighted to see his team keep a clean sheet after conceding six at allpay.park in midweek.

"For 60 minutes against Westfields, who are four leagues above us, we gave a good account of ourselves," he said.

"But it was important for us to bounce back with a win today and especially to keep a clean sheet.

"It was a professional display but I was more pleased with the three points than I was with the performance.

"But Shobdon defended well and tried to play a bit on the the break.

"They have done well this season and gave us some problems and they have good facilities here.

Ammonds returned the compliment.

"Harold are the best side I've played against this season," he said.

"Now we're looking forward to our big derby with Leominster on December 21."