AFTER a one-month lay-off, due to the Christmas break and the poor weather conditions, Ledbury eventually got back to playing some real football.

The first fixture of 2009 couldn’t have been a more difficult match, with an away game against arch rivals Bartestree.

The game was a high tempo affair with some splendid tackles coming in from Max Coleman,Joe James and Lewis Hammond and with the cool head of Thomas Trigg marshaling the defence, there looked no way through for the Bartetree strikers.

The battle in the middle of the park was equally as hard with Tom Webb and Harvey Moss having great games as they both gave 100 per cent in all challenges. The first-half ended 0-0 with only a few limited chances. Ledbury’s strikers of Dan Batty, Jake Robson and Craig Pierce had limited chances due to the game being so tight in midfield.

Bartetree’s best chance fell midway through the second half but was saved superbly by goalkeeper Rory Atkins, The game looked to be heading for a goalless draw with only eight minutes remaining but Harvey Moss was quickest to react as his well driven shot was too much for the Bartestree defender to deal with, as the defender turned the ball into his own net.

Ledbury were under intense pressure for the last five minutes but Swifts defended brilliantly and held on to win 1-0. On Sunday, Ledbury travel to Wellington (ko 2pm).