A LATE hat-trick from prolific striker Robbie Colwell snatched Ledbury Town a memorable victory in their first ever FA Vase encounter.

LEDBURY TOWN 3, COVENTRY SPHINX 2

Ledbury, who hosted ICIS Combination Premier side Coventry Sphinx, had not scored in their previous three games and were disappointed early on when Robbie Colwell rounded the keeper to net but the goal was disallowed.

The visitors took the lead when a penalty was stroked home by Stephenson but Ledbury were now in charge in midfield, through Brooks and Hall, and Colwell and Duncan Preedy both went close before half time.

Ledbury started the second half well and nearly equalised in the opening minutes when Colwell blasted wide of an open goal.

With the home side pushing forward they got caught by the classic breakaway and Sphinx went 2-0 up when Taylor volleyed past the helpless Brown in the home goal.

In the 72nd minute Ledbury deservedly got back into the game when Preedy sent Colwell clear and he lobbed the ball over the outcoming keeper.

Within two minutes Ledbury equalised when Colwell latched onto Hall's pass before beating two defenders and driving the ball home.

With Spinx looking shaken it came as no surprise when Ledbury took the lead and once again it was Colwell who this time hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

Ledbury were now in full flow and Preedy and Colwell went close again on a couple of occasions.

Although the visitors pushed hard towards the end, the Ledbury defence, well marshalled by the experience Mark Herbert, were in no mood to let them back in and Ledbury easily held on.

Town manager Paul Wilband was obviously delighted with his team's attitude and had been confident that once Ledbury scored they would get more goals.

Ledbury now visit Leek in the next round but return to league duty tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit Wolverhampton Casuals (2.45).

On Tuesday evening (September 17) Ledbury are due to travel to Tividale (7.45).