LEDBURY Veterans triumphed 5-2 in the first Paul and Mark Ledbury memorial football match.

They beat Ledbury Town 5-2 at New Street to claim the trophy with goals from Jon Hodges, Ben Ledbury, Joe Gladwin, Robbie Colwell and Chrissie Hyde.

Charlie Docherty and Nick Bolton pulled goals back in the 70-minute encounter in front of a crowd of 100.

It was the first testimonial game held in honour of both Paul Ledbury and younger brother Mark who died earlier this year.

The veterans had played football with the two fondly-remembered local sportsmen.

A superb opening 21st-minute strike from Hodges gave the veterans the lead going into the interval.

Then a somewhat contentious free-kick from Duncan Preedy was finished off by Paul Ledbury's elder son Ben shortly after the break.

The veterans ran rampant with a terrific finish from man of the match Gladwin on 39 minutes.

Ledbury legends Colwell and Hyde then both found the net for four veterans goals in the space of 10 minutes.

Later goals from Docherty and Bolton on 48 and 64 minutes respectively provided scant consolation for the younger side.

Plenty of volunteers and businesses contributed to a successful event which was organised by club chairman John Preedy and Phil Preedy.

It raised more than £1,200 to provide a huge boost to the club’s funds as they continue to pursue their ultimate aim of a move to a brand new facility over the coming years.

Ledbury Town’s first team suffered a 4-0 defeat at Herefordshire League Premier Division high-fliers Ewyas Harold.

Pat Locke and Dean Rutter’s men dropped from fifth to eighth in the table ahead of a third consecutive away game tomorrow at third-placed Fownhope (2.30pm).

They then have a Herefordshire FA County Challenge Cup second-round clash against Wellington’s first team on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Ledbury Town Reserves are still seeking their first win of the season in Division One after a comprehensive 4-1 defeat by a determined and physical Holme Lacy Reserves side at New Street.

Only a late first-half goal from captain Nat Dunk gave the hosts any glimmer of hope.

Elliott Thomas recorded a brace for the visitors with Mike Wilkins and substitute Jacob Evans also on the scoresheet.

The reserves visit Wellington Colts tomorrow (2.30pm).