SWIFTS travelled to close rivals Leominster and despite their best efforts they suffered a narrow defeat.

Ledbury SWIFTS U12s 1, LEOMINSTER MINORS U12s 2

Swifts worked hard to match Leominster in all departments and Leominster were restricted to long range shots that Sam Beale handled well. Up front Thomas Boyle and Arron Almond tried hard to work an opening and Joshua Emery provided the drive from midfield. A slick passing move saw Thomas Boyle break through but drive narrowly wide and then Joshua Emery shot wide from close range. At the other end Thomas Watkins was providing the usual cover to Leominster attacks and right back Chris Davis was also having a steady game. Just before half time disaster struck for Swifts when a low cross from the right was allowed to run right along the face of goal and give an easy chance to a Leominster forward to open the scoring.

Swifts started the second half more determined and they started to win more of the ball in midfield with Louis Watkins getting in some good challenges and wide men Alex Kitchen and Rhys Gwynne seeing more of the ball. However Swifts found themselves two down when they lost the ball and Leominster broke forward and finished well. Despite this Swifts kept trying and Thomas Boyle had a great shot tipped onto the post by the home keeper.

Swifts got back into the match when Rhys Gwynne crossed and the ball broke to Alex Kitchen, his chip shot came back off the bar but Thomas Boyle followed up to score. Just before the end Boyle saw another effort come back off the bar as Leominster held out for the win.

BARTESTREE U11s 1, LEDBURY SWIFTS U11s 3

SWIFTS travelled to Bartestree last Saturday to play in the first round of the Lexmond Cup, and put in a solid performance to book their place in the next round.

Bartestree had the better of the early exchanges but Swifts' defence held firm. The game was being contested in midfield where Chris Savidge, Tom Powell and Adam Davis were working hard but it was Luke Perry who was causing more problems on the left and from a corner, which he won, Swifts nearly took the lead when in a goal mouth scramble somehow Bartestree cleared twice off the line. Then on 10 minutes Swifts thought they had scored when a defender hit his own player in trying to clear, the ball fell to Perry who neatly lobbed the keeper but the goal was disallowed for offside. Swifts were doubly punished when from the free kick Bartestree broke into the Swifts' box, the player's shot was well covered by Dave Reynolds in the Swifts' goal but Alistair Park, in trying to clear, headed past the stranded keeper. Swifts came right back with Davis and Sam Crichard combining well on the right to set up Perry to neatly place his shot in the corner for the equaliser. Then just before the break Reynolds pulled off a good save.

The second half started well for Swifts as Bartestree were finding it hard to break through the Swifts' defence due to the hard work of Ashley Nelder, Ian Davies and Sam Topham. Sam Peplow was also now working the defence a lot more in combining well with Perry, and it was no surprise that Swifts took the lead when Perry slotted home his second goal. Swifts were now passing the ball around well and increased their lead when a Bartestree attack was broken up on the half way line, Powell laid the ball out to Parsons, who then played a superb pass through the Bartestree defence for Peplow to finish with ease.

Swifts will now play FC Phoenix at home in round two on March 1 but tomorrow (Saturday) are at home to Weston in a friendly, kick off 10.30am.

LEDBURY SWIFTS RANGERS U10s 1,

LEDBURY SWIFTS U10S 1

THIS was a unique occasion; the first time two teams from the Swifts had faced each other in competition.

The Ledbury Swifts Rangers were formed to give as many boys as possible the opportunity to play competitive games. Mini soccer is seven a side with a maximum squad of 14. With the two teams, up to 28 boys have been involved, a much better situation.

In front of a large crowd, the Rangers made a spirited start forcing a succession of corners but these were dealt with comfortably. The strong defensive partnership of Aaron Hall and Alasdair Mitchell got to grips with the Rangers' forwards, Tom Churchill and Alex Morgan, as the Swifts began to impose themselves on the game. Tom Messam was giving Tom Green and Ben Park in the Rangers' defence a torrid time hitting the post on three occasions. As half time approached Dean Lee broke the deadlock when he cracked a first time shot in off the post, giving keeper Clarke Gardner no chance. Swifts tried to press home their advantage before the break but the Rangers dogged defence held out.

Rangers brought on Ben Dudley at the restart and his persistence lead to Swifts conceding an unnecessary corner. The normally positive Swifts defence failed to clear properly and in the resulting scramble Tom Green poked the ball home for the equaliser. Needing the victory, Swifts pressed forward all the more, but they were caught by Alex Morgan who broke clean through but Swifts' keeper Robin Minshull charged out to close him down and the danger was cleared. For the Rangers the injured Ben Park was replaced by Carl Davies to further reinforce what was now a beleaguered defence. Tom Messam was replaced by Ben Adams whose first touch almost resulted in a goal, but again the ball was scrambled clear.

When the final whistle went the Rangers were the happier side, the rivalry was soon forgotten though as both sides enjoyed burgers and hot dogs in the new clubhouse.

Many thanks to the mums who took the time to provide the refreshments.

Swifts are back in action on Saturday, at home to Lads Club Colts, kick off 11.30am needing just one point to confirm a place in the play offs.