LEDBURY Town’s nightmare start to the season continued with two 5-0 home defeats in a row.

Pete Boyle and Zac Blood’s side suffered their seventh straight West Midlands League Division One loss of 2014-15 at home to Team Dudley.

They then lost by the same scoreline to Midland League Division One high-fliers Highgate United in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Trophy first round.

Bottom-of-the-table Ledbury are still to get off the mark in the league and have shipped 32 goals in seven fixtures.

Tomorrow (3pm), they visit eighth-placed Penncroft, who will look to complete the double after winning 3-1 at New Street in August.

Former Ledbury boss Ben Symons has returned from Gala Wilton to be assistant to Boyle and Blood in a bid to turn their wretched season around.

Against Dudley, former Newent Town keeper Alex Goode, midfielder Scott Roberts and new signings Tom Kaye and Sean Stanley were all drafted in.

But the hosts just could not maintain their pressure or make the most of several set-pieces.

Roberts marked his return by shooting wide on 10 minutes before Ledbury forced three quick corners.

Newcomer Stanley put the ball over the bar when under pressure and promising winger Jasper Alford shot narrowly wide.

An error from Goode in the 28th minute resulted in a forward eventually being brought down by Kaye for a controversial penalty.

But Goode saved the spot-kick and Kaye was later forced off with an injury to be replaced by Anthony Bradford.

Dudley bagged their first goal in the 35th minute with a fine finish following a jinking run.

Ledbury made a half-time substitution with Jonathan Owen on for teenage midfielder Gavin Hodgkins.

But their task was made more daunting seven minutes into the second period when another penalty was saved by Goode but fired home on the rebound.

Goode blocked well but a deflection helped Dudley score again on 63 minutes and their confidence rose.

The keeper could do nothing about the final two goals in the last 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, Ledbury Colts lost a friendly 9-2 at home to Haygrove.

The club’s third team have been formed from the Cradley Sports under 18s side.

Their first Herefordshire League Division Three game is tomorrow at home to Orleton Colts Reserves (2.30pm).