THE score line does not reflect how close Ledbury came to getting a replay in this FA Vase First Round Proper encounter away at higher-graded Barwell.

BARWELL 4, LEDBURY TOWN 1

Before the game started Ledbury suffered a cruel blow when top marksman Robbie Colwell was ruled out after suffering an accident at work.

Barwell had the better of the early exchanges and Rory Hollingshead made two point blank saves from Andy Lucas but Ledbury stunned the home crowd when Duncan Preedy brushed off three challenges before unleashing a 25 yard screamer past goalkeeper Graves.

Ledbury were then denied increasing their lead when Graves went full length to turn Ian Stewart's shot round the post.

Although Barwell had the better of the first half they had to wait until the sixth minute of injury time too equalise, an addition which seemed bizarre considering no trainer had been on the pitch. Hollingshead managed to get his fingertips to a Lucas header to push it onto the bar but as the Ledbury defence dallied, Lucas reacted first and prodded the ball home.

The second half was only five minutes old when another defensive blunder allowed Dave Puttnam to put Barwell ahead. Ledbury refused to lie down and pushed forward and Graves made three full-length diving saves from Phil Preedy, twice, and Nicky Welch.

It looked like Duncan Preedy was about to equalise but a belated linesman's flag ruled the effort out, then Robbie Perrin was hauled down when clear only for the same linesman to wave play on.

In a frantic late siege well into injury time Mark Brooks effort was then some how deflected for a fruitless corner.

With the home crowd shouting for time in the 102nd minute, with more time added on, Barwell broke away. Lee Clueit challenged for the ball, Lucas went down and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Such was Ledbury's annoyance that Stu Hall and Mark Herbert were sent off for protesting.

From the resulting spot kick Hollingshead made a brilliant save from Smith only for Lucas to score after a goal mouth scramble. Still it wasn't over and with Ledbury down to nine men Puttnam made it 4-1 in the 104th minute.

Town manager Paul Wilband was obviously disappointed but said he couldn't fault any of the players for the effort they put in and added that they deserved at least a draw. He also thanked the supporters, who outnumbered the home teams.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ledbury are at home to Heath Hayes, kick off 2.45pm.