LEDBURY Veterans beat Ledbury Colts 5-4 in a festive friendly.

Teenage Colts striker Nick Bolton bagged a hat-trick and team-mate Patrick Morgan scored a penalty.

However, the introduction of the experienced Robbie Colwell proved the difference.

Bolton fired Colts ahead early on but Jamie Welch levelled six minutes before half-time, and one of the veterans’ substitutes made it 2-1 at the break.

Welch clinically extended the lead five minutes into the second period but Morgan’s spot-kick made it 3-2 on 52 minutes.

Colwell dispatched Welch’s cross but Bolton countered by firing Morgan’s centre into the top corner.

However, Colwell struck again to ensure Bolton’s 20-yard strike 10 minutes from time to clinch his treble was just a consolation.

Colts host basement boys Weston in Herefordshire League Division Three on Saturday.

Second-from-bottom Malvern Vale entertain leaders Dore Valley at Dyson Perrins Academy (both 2pm).

Ledbury Town Reserves, who are third in the table, visit Division One leaders Bromyard at Mudwalls, Bishop’s Frome (2pm).

Meanwhile, fifth-placed Upton Town return to Cheltenham Association League Division One action at home to bottom side basement boys Kings on Saturday (2pm).

Malvern Vale have a GMB Plate semi-final at Prestbury Rovers Reserves.