LEDBURY Town's pre-season kicked off in style with two wins and eight goals in their friendlies.

Town scored four goals apiece against Monmouth Town Reserves and Gala Wilton, conceding only a single goal across the two games.

Ian Merrick's new-look senior side took on Monmouth in strength-sapping heat, with regular drinks breaks throughout, but goals from Cosmin Micula,  Jordan Thomson and Ben Febery putting Town clear.

A tenth minute free kick from Monmouth, whose first team play in the Ardal Leagues South East in the third tier of the Welsh football pyramid, was nodded over the touchline by James Kenny, as new goalkeeper for the Ledbury first string Alex Goode confidently caught the ensuing corner ball. 

The hosts received a let-off when a twelfth minute strike from the Welsh border outfit clipped the far post, before newcomer to the New Street ranks from Newent, Cosmin Micula, announced his debut in fine style by scoring on the quarter-hour mark. 

Fresh from finishing runners-up in the Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division last season to runaway champions Hartpury University, Ledbury conceded a late consolation goal to run out 4-1 winners.

Ledbury's attention then turned to Gloucestershire County Football League side Gala Wilton with Tom Boyle, winner of the Ledbury first team’s Players’ Player Award as well as his side’s Top Goalscorer Award along with the Herefordshire League’s Golden Boot last season with an impressive 29 goals, picked up a hat-trick. 

Boyle scored again just after half time with a superb long-range effort in off the post.

Returning forward Pat Morgan found Lewis Williams, who performed a cheeky back-heal to make it 3-0 midway through the second period, before Boyle achieved his treble in style through neatly slotting the ball past the Gala goalkeeper. 

Matt Tristram, returning to Town following a couple of seasons’ hiatus was named man of the match for the visitors, with a confident Ledbury Town playing two further friendlies on August 6 and 13 against Hereford U-18s and FC Tredegar.

The team's league season kicks off on August 20 subject to the full fixture list being announced.