LEDBURY Town Reserves maintained their Hereford Times Herefordshire Football League Division One title bid with a 2-1 victory over sixth-placed Ewyas Harold Reserves at New Street.

With permission from Ledbury Town Football Club’s landowners now being granted to allow the club’s two senior sides to continue using their traditional ground for the remainder of the season, a large crowd cheered their side to a well-deserved win.

Phil Preedy and Roly Welch’s high-flying team now stand just three points below league leaders Bromyard in the table ahead of their meeting at Mudwalls in Bishops Frome tomorrow (2.30pm).

Ledbury still have two games in hand over their rivals and four over third-placed Woofferton.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for the hosts in their latest encounter, however, with the first period characterised by injuries and sloppy passing.

But, after prolific striker Dan Herbert made the most of one of Ledbury’s many corners to tap the ball in minutes before the interval, a revitalised home team began to dominate.

A further goal from Gavin Hodgkins on the follow-up from Scott Roberts’ free-kick gave Ledbury the buffer they needed after the visitors scored a consolation in the final 10 minutes.

Ledbury’s injury worries began 17 minutes in when defender Ade Jones was brought down in midfield, while Pat Locke also required treatment. Although Locke was able to continue, Jones had to be replaced by defender Carl Wildig.

Ewyas Harold failed to take advantage of some decidedly average play from the hosts and this cost them in the 44th minute. A second consecutive Ledbury corner was met with a fine volley from Hodgkins, which Herbert turned home to break the deadlock.

Elliot Watts was instrumental in protecting his side’s fragile lead on the brink of half-time, pulling off what was undoubtedly the game’s finest save. Ledbury moved 2-0 ahead in the second-half when a terrific free-kick by Roberts was put away by the incoming Hodgkins during a scramble in the box.

Ewyas Harold pulled a goal back seven minutes from time but Ledbury finished strongly and held on for victory. The two teams meet again in the Ross Cup final on Easter Monday (11am) at Weston-under-Penyard.