THE first Sunday of 2004 saw the bottom two clubs in the Herefordshire U16s league meet in a local derby.

Ledbury SWIFTS U16s 1, Bromyard TOWN U16s 0

Bromyard exerted early pressure and Tom Smith had to be alert in the home goal. It was ten minutes before Swifts launched a serious attack, Mark Carless battling well down the left before delivering a telling cross, but Dan Hunter's shot was turned round the post for a corner. Tom Locke then put through a long pass for Jason Payne to run on to but his attempt to lob the onrushing goalkeeper drifted wide. Mark Carless then netted only for the goal to be ruled out for an infringement. Tom Watts was playing out of position at left back but on the half hour he abandoned defence, running at the visiting defence, then stepping inside to fire a long range shot high into the Bromyard net. Bromyard responded by attacking strongly but another good Swifts move involving Tom Watts, Jim Shankey, Jason Payne and Mark Carless was parried for a corner by the keeper.

Early in the second half Jason Payne burst through only to see a good low shot saved, and afterwards he shot narrowly over the bar. Bromyard got the chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty for a push but Tom Smith easily saved to keep Swifts in the lead. Tim Rutherford worked hard as usual in midfield, one determined run leading to another shot by Jason Payne that had to be well saved. Good positional play by Dan Herbert in midfield and Tom Locke and Matt Hinchliffe at the heart of the defence regularly blunted Bromyard attacks, with Matt Hodges battling well at right back.

Swifts were relieved to hear the final whistle, their win moving them into mid-table whereas Bromyard remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

LEDBURY SWIFTS U10s 2,

Leominster MINORS U10s 1

LEDBURY Swifts entertained Leominster Minors in the Herefordshire Junior Football League on Saturday.

Previous games between these two sides have always been very close encounters and this was to be no exception. The overnight snow and subsequent thaw made the pitch very heavy but both sides adapted well and produced a match of excellent quality.

Swifts were quickly into their stride with Sam Keetch forcing a good save from the Leominster keeper. Neil Green and AJ Smith at the heart of the Ledbury defence imposed themselves on the Minors strikers as the Swifts took control of the game. The midfield trio of Jack Cooney, Gavin Walton and Adam Paske pushed forward as the Swifts went in search of the opening goal. Leominster briefly threatened and Morris's fierce shot was well saved by Swifts' keeper Alex Parker. His long clearance was picked up by Sam Keetch who put Gavin Walton clear, he calmly placed the ball under the advancing keeper to give the Swifts a well deserved lead. Swifts rang the changes and introduced Charlie Barrett, Jonathan Mowday and Alexander Firth into their midfield. A poor Leominster clearance fell invitingly to Neil Green and his well-struck half volley flew just wide much to the relief of the Minors keeper.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with the Swifts holding the upper hand. Jack Cooney was in impressive form and his tackling and all round coverage of the ground meant that the Minors were unable to carry any real threat. The Ledbury side continued to push forward and Sam Keetch headed Adam Paskes left wing cross to Alexander Firth whose stunning half volley flew into the far corner of the goal. Leominster responded and a hopeful cross was bundled over the line by Murphy their replacement striker. Swifts were forced to make further changes as the cold continued to take its toil on the Swifts players. Adam Paske took over as goalkeeper and Charlie Barrett came into anchor the midfield as the Swifts sought to defend their slender lead. Leominster sensing that they could salvage a valuable point launched a number of attacks but Jack Cooney Neil Green and AJ Smith were in impressive form and the Minors could find no way through. In the final minutes the resourceful Charlie Barrett cleared a goal bound effort off the line as the Swifts hung on for a victory that they just about deserved. The win puts the Swifts clear at the top of the U10s League.

Tomorrow (Saturday) in the Herefordshire Junior Football League the Swifts travel to play Wellington in the first ever meeting between these the sides kick off is at 11.30am.