Ledbury Town 6 Hereford United Supporters Trust 2

A BUMPER crowd of 654 assembled at the New Street ground for Monday night’s friendly match between Ledbury Town and the Hereford United

Supporters Trust team.

Ledbury, who were four games into their pre-season build-up, won the match 6-2, but overall it was the remarkable attendance that was the major talking point, as they produced a carnival atmosphere throughout the evening.

The supporters team was strengthened by the inclusion of former Bulls midfielder Sam Gwynne, plus two of last season’s successful youth side – Max Contic and Callum Brennan – but it was the West Midlands League hosts who looked the sharper outfit.

Ledbury were off to a flying start when Bryan Sewell netted after four minutes, and Anthony Bradford doubled their advantage on the half-hour. Callum Brennan pulled a goal back a minute later, and the scoreline remained at 2-1 at half-time.

Ledbury added two further goals in the opening minutes of the second half, with substitute Gavin Hodgkins and Joe Bates the men on target.

Max Contic netted for HUST on 65 minutes, before Ledbury’s superior fitness and greater cohesion saw them add two further goals in the closing stages.

Joint manager Zac Blood steered home the fifth, followed by the goal of the match, a bullet-like header from Zeki Koral.

After the game Ledbury chairman Colin Brandt said: “It was a splendid night, and I was very happy with the size of the crowd.”

His view was reinforced by HUST vice-chairman Martin Watson, who added: “This showed the solidarity of the fans, who wanted to watch a genuine Hereford United team in Hereford colours.”

“Guest” manager for HUST, complete with his trademark red cap, was Pete Beadle, who was particularly upbeat.

Beadle, whose last game in charge of a Hereford side was in the dramatic end of season Conference win at Aldershot Town, pulled no punches post-match, stating: “This could be the start of something really big. The size of the crowd was unbelievable. It makes a point; it makes a statement.

"There was only one winner tonight, the supporters of Hereford United, who are trying to get some honesty and credibility back to the club.”

Ledbury will have been delighted with the financial aspects of the game, with admission money boosted by catering and bar profits, and the on-field performance where they look to be gathering a sound squad for their West Midlands League campaign.

All connected with HUST were clearly overwhelmed by the size of the support in the first game on their “alternative fixture list”.