LEDBURY Swifts Rovers returned to league action and made a good start to 2009 with an excellent 4-2 home victory to FC Pheonix.

In an even opening period, neither side managed to impose themselves and chances were limited.

Pheonix took the lead scoring midway through the first-half, and held this slender lead until half-time.

After the break Ledbury began to impose themselves on the game, and after significant pressure a deserved equaliser arrived with Kieran Slatter coolly chipping the keeper and finding the net.

The hosts were now starting to dominate and after a succession of long range efforts, Mathew Hammond poked home from close range to make it 2-1.

Ledbury were now unrelenting, only to find the Pheonix goalkeeper in inspired form, but after a succession of corners, Sam Branch struck from the edge of the box to make it 3-1.

Pheonix strived gamely to gain a consolation and it arrived from a long range effort with a minute to go.

Ledbury were not to be denied, and in the dying seconds a neat Slatter finish from a quick break ensured an excellent victory.