LEDBURY Swifts sit top of the Herefordshire FA Women’s Development League after the opening three matches.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hindered play this season in the league which sees youngsters and veterans play alongside each other enjoying the game.

Ledbury sit top having won two and drawn one match including a recent 3-2 win over Tupsley.

The league start four years ago and has grown from three teams to six.

This year Ledbury are joined by Tupsley, Belmont Wanderers, Hay St Marys’, Penybont United and Leominster Town.

Sides are also due to compete in the HFA Women’s County Cup.

League secretary Joe Mathias says the league is ideal for those learning the adult game.

“When we’ve been able to get games on it has been good,” he said.

“It has been interrupted and the Welsh teams haven’t played as they’ve had even stricter lockdown rules.

“We are keen to get them playing when we can.

“The league sees a real mix of age groups. Some of the girls and young women this is their first season in senior football.

“It’s a good introduction to the adult game and they may choose to move on to the Midwest Counties League sides.

“We also have mums, veterans or just those starting out in football and have never played competitively before. The Leominster team, some of them had never kicked a ball before and some started in walking football.

Pictures by Will Cheshire