LEDBURY Town Reserves clinched a point from their Herefordshire FA County League Division One opener against newly-promoted Shobdon at New Street.

But the 1-1 draw came at a huge cost for the hosts as two key players sustaining injuries.

Josh Burns put Ledbury in front on 11 minutes before Town suffered their first injury blow as new captain Nick Bolton broke his fibula as well as number of ankle ligaments in an attempted tackle.

As Dave Preece came on to replace the stricken skipper and assume the captaincy the backroom staff prepared for the arrival of the paramedics.

Player-manager Nick Blakeway made some important saves during the first half and Ledbury survived a further scare just before the break as Shobdon put the ball inches over the crossbar.

Kieran Loveridge almost became his side’s second casualty of the afternoon after a clash of heads with an opposing defender.

With the young striker fortunately able to continue playing, it was then Shobdon’s turn to suffer injury as one of their midfielders was forced off.

Shobdon’s pressure finally told quarter of an hour into the second period as they netted an equalizer.

Ledbury were struggling defensively but they managed to claim a share of the spoils.

With the ambulance arriving on the brink of the full-time whistle to collect Bolton, goalkeeper Blakeway then collapsed with a torn meniscus to put him out of action for at least six weeks.

Town’s second-string side entertain last season’s league runners-up Hinton Reserves tomorrow (2.30pm).

There was better news for Ledbury Town’s first-team last weekend as they ran out emphatic 5-1 winners at Kingstone Rovers in the Premier Division.

Ledbury put last week’s 3-2 defeat to Wellington Reserves behind them as they opened up a 2-0 half-time lead thanks goals from Pete Jeynes and Mike Arlott.

Kingstone converted a penalty at the start of the second period but Joe Bullock then scored Town’s third before Curt Williams bagged a brace.

The away success saw Ledbury climb to the top of the league, level on points but with a one-goal advantage over Wellington.

They will now look to extend their lead at the summit when they visit Tenbury Town tomorrow (2.30pm).

Ledbury Cricket Club’s second XI will wrap up their Marches League Division Three campaign tomorrow when they host Presteigne (1pm).