LEDBURY Town Reserves open their Herefordshire Football League Division Two campaign this weekend after finishing pre-season with a 6-3 defeat at a Welland XI.

They faced a stern test in Worcestershire under the new management of Mitch Preedy ahead of the opening league fixture at Burghill tomorrow (2.30pm).

Welland’s first goal came after just 24 seconds but they were denied more by teenage keeper Elliot Watts until Pat Morgan levelled from a tight angle.

The hosts regained the lead in the 37th minute and established a two-goal buffer at half-time before Tom Skittery nodded home Ledbury’s second goal from Gavin Hodgkins’ cross.

Welland restored their two-goal advantage but Town again refused to give in and Morgan netted after Skittery’s shot was parried.

But Watts was chipped nine minutes from time and he conceded a sixth goal later on.

Meanwhile, Ledbury’s first team had their opening home game of the season against Premier Division leaders Wellington Reserves cancelled due to ongoing negotiations between the club and landowners Property Solutions Ltd over the New Street ground’s future.

Tomorrow’s game at home to Fownhope has been postponed due to unavailability of players, meaning Phil Preedy’s squad hope to next be in action at Ewyas Harold the following weekend.