RYAN Dobbins scored the only goal of the game as Ledbury Town edged past Malvern Town Development 1-0 to return to the top of the Herefordshire FA County League Premier.

In difficult conditions on a boggy pitch, it was a real scrap over the 90 minutes but Dobbins scrambled home on the stroke of half-time to score what proved to be the winner.

It was a game of few chances and after the game was delayed in order to allow certain parts of the pitch to dry out and other areas to thaw, it was always going to be difficult for both sides.

Ledbury dominated the ball and territory but were unable to really create any clear-cut chances against a Malvern side who were determined to leave Ledbury with a positive result. 

But it was that man Dobbins, who has been so crucial to Ledbury since his arrival earlier in the season, that got the winner. A scramble in the Malvern box ended with the striker tapping home from close-range to deliver a crucial goal seconds before the break. 

The pitch continued to cut up as the second-half wore on, making it tough on the legs of those on the pitch.

Malvern continued to defend well and frustrate Ledbury, but the visitors never really posed too many questions for the hosts, who saw the game out for a crucial win.

That makes it two wins in a row for Ian Merrick's side, who are now two points clear at the top of the table.

But they have played two more games than both second-placed Wellington and third-placed New Dales Vale, who are level on 29 points.

Ledbury are on the road this weekend when they make the trip to Evesham United Reserves.