LEDBURY Town blooded reserve players successfully in a 2-1 home win over Wem Town in West Midlands League Division One.

Missing Neil Gardiner, Joel Skyers, Jamie Welch and goalkeeper Lewis Skyers, new manager Paul Mann was pleased with his new youthful additions.

Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Elliot Watts pulled off a series of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay.

Fifth-placed Ledbury were indebted to Watts’ early stops, including one from Dan Price.

Dan Herbert’s slight mishit was blocked by Wem keeper Ryan Ford at the other end and Tom Boyle’s penalty claims were turned down.

Wem hit Ledbury on the break as a result but Watts again prevented Price from netting.

Martin Loveridge and Andrew Matthews offered comfortable saves for Ford towards the end of a goalless first-half.

But Ledbury struck early in the second period when Boyle’s corner was flicked on by Dean Corbett for Herbert to head in the opener.

However, Wem fashioned a quick equaliser on 52 minutes through captain Christian Oldham.

Boyle put the hosts ahead again in the 66th minute by nodding the ball home on the follow-up from a Tom Watkins throw which was flicked into the box by Herbert.

Watts saved from substitute Chris Peel but was then helped by the post and the defending of Pete Boyle.

Wem substitute Dave Barnett was sent off late on for allegedly headbutting Watkins before Watts bravely pounced on the ball to ensure Ledbury claimed all three points.

Ledbury head to Wolverhampton United in the league tomorrow (2.30pm) and host Bromyard Town in the Herefordshire FA Challenge Cup second round next Tuesday (7.30pm).

The reserves returned to winning ways with a 3-2 triumph at Holme Lacy in Herefordshire League Division One with James Dean (2) and Sam Dixon on target.

They entertain Orleton Colts in the Herefordshire FA Junior Cup second round tomorrow (2pm).

  • Mid-table Bromyard Town fell 2-1 at home to Smethwick Rangers in a West Midlands League Premier Division mid-week encounter. They host Bustleholme at Delahay Meadow tomorrow (3pm).
  • Malvern Rangers lost 4-2 at home to Alvechurch Reserves in the Worcestershire FA Saturday Junior Cup first round.
  • Matthew Beale scored twice for Herefordshire League Division Two leaders Bromyard as they beat main challengers Tenbury Town 2-1.
  • Ledbury Allstars lost 6-5 at title rivals Burghill Rangers in the Herefordshire Sunday League Premier Division.