RYAN Dobbins scored two free kicks to end Ledbury's season on a high, as manager Ian Merrick claimed his first ever away win at Welland.
Ledbury finished 10th in the league, with Merrick having to write the season off since his return and focus on rebuilding the team ready for next season.
Merrick was keen to stress that recruitment was key for the side going into the summer, with inconsistency in performances being one of the main issues this season.
"We're going to have to recruit hard in the summer and get a few more experienced bodies in. We've got some good young players here, but I think we need a few more around them who can talk them through the game and guide them.
"We have a very quiet team, unfortunately. There aren’t people barking orders, telling others what to do, dictating the game. I think that just comes with experience.
"You do get the odd young player who comes through with that, but unfortunately, young players aren’t really born with it — and that’s something that, eventually, some of them will learn."
The match started slowly, with neither side able to control possession, as it remained evenly contested.
Welland pressed Ledbury high up the pitch and were nearly rewarded when a misplaced pass by Morgan Skidmore found Ashley Dallow, whose shot was saved low down by Alex Goode in the Ledbury goal.
Minutes later, a similar error nearly cost Ledbury again — Thomas Warner this time misplacing his pass, with Goode sliding in to clear the ball away from the oncoming Dallow.
Ledbury couldn’t seem to find the final pass through the Welland defence, but a set-piece provided them with an opportunity to test Josh James in goal.
Dobbins stepped up to take the free-kick, which he bent low and powerfully around the wall to give the visitors the advantage going into half-time.
READ MORE: Ledbury's season has been "a real rollercoaster"
The away side moved the ball much better at times during the second half, with Nathan Ince firing an effort over the bar early on.
Ledbury then dominated the chances in the second half, with Welland unable to create much in attack throughout the game.
Dobbins nearly added his second of the match when Harry Phillips' cross found him, but he was unable to steer it towards goal.
Dobbins then had another free-kick opportunity when Welland goalkeeper James’ high boot caught Ince on the shoulder just outside the penalty area.
He delivered again from the set piece, sending the ball low and hard into the bottom left corner past the outstretched glove of the keeper.
There were a couple of half-chances for Ledbury to add a third, but nothing that really troubled the Welland defence.
Ledbury ended the season on a high with back-to-back victories, as the side now look to strengthen over the summer before returning for pre-season in July.
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