It was a frustrating opening weekend for Ledbury Town with the reserve side’s 1-1 draw with Burghill Rangers the best result of the bunch.

A missing referee meant the first team saw their match at Shobdon postponed while the newly formed third team were hammered 7-1 by Fownhope reserves.

Ian Merrick’s first team will instead look to kick off their Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division season against Ludlow Town Colts at New Street this Saturday.

In Division one the reserve squad initially went a goal down, with Liam Watton scoring for the visitors, before Alistair Holder equalised, driving the ball into the bottom corner from twenty yards out, Nick Bolton providing the assist.

David Butcher and Nick Blakeway’s side then came close to finding a winner with 15 minutes remaining when Jake Bramley’s free kick beat the four-man wall before striking the crossbar.

The referee halted the game five minutes from time when two Burghill forwards collided while attempting to challenge Bolton.

Captain Zak Bonfield was forced into making a number of good saves late in the game to ensure Ledbury came out of the weekend with at least one point on the board.

Bonfields was helped by James Kenny who was named man of the match for his defensive display.

Co Butcher said: "The lads played well and gave it there all. Fitness definitely got the better of them and unfortunately we couldn't get that second goal for the win, but there were plenty of positives to take from this opening game.

The reserves will look to add to their point as they travel to Victoria Park this weekend to face the Civil Service, kick-off at 2:30pm.

Ledbury Town Swifts were formed this year as a result of the partnership between Town and Ledbury Swifts Junior FC.

A 7-1 defeat to Fownhope Reserves in Division two at the Ross Road ground, home of Ledbury RFC, probably wasn’t the start manager Richard Thick was hoping for.

The Swifts went down 3-0 with just eight minutes played with Khayd Saxelby the sole goal scorer for the homeside.

The third side will look to bounce back this Saturday as they take on Woofferton at the Brimfield and Little Hereford Sports club, a 2:30pm kick-off.