LEDBURY FC claimed an impressive 2–1 victory over promotion-chasing UDA Glos at a blustery New Street.
The opening exchanges were scrappy and disjointed, with the New Street surface once again proving difficult to master as neither side managed to establish any sustained rhythm.
UDA gradually took control of possession and spent much of the first half in Ledbury’s half, but for all their pressure, they struggled to break down a compact and organised defensive unit.
UDA’s best chances came in fleeting moments rather than through cohesive play. Keaton Bienusa blazed over from close range at the back post after a corner, before Caleb Thomas miscued a volley well wide soon after.
Ledbury looked dangerous on the break, with substitute Rory Wilkinson providing their biggest threat.
He was played clean through on goal but was denied by Brayden Rodriguez, who stood firm in the UDA net. Wilkinson also saw a long-range effort flash narrowly wide, a strike that on another night might have found the top corner.
The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark. A pinpoint delivery from Rares Micula found Lewis Tolley, who rose in the six-yard box to power a header straight down the middle.
Rodriguez was caught between staying and coming and was left stranded as the ball hit the net.
Ledbury quickly doubled their advantage. Slack defending allowed Ryan Dobbins to peel away from his marker, and the in-form striker drove a powerful effort into the top right corner with emphatic precision.
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The two-goal cushion did not last long. A defensive lapse gifted UDA a penalty, and Caleb Thomas converted calmly to halve the deficit and set up a tense finale.
What followed was a frantic closing spell filled with controversy and missed opportunities. Finley Skidmore produced a crucial last-ditch challenge that UDA insisted should have resulted in another penalty, but the referee waved away the appeals.
Substitute Elijah McDonald looked to have the momentum of the game behind him as he drove between two defenders, only to take a heavy touch at the crucial moment and allow Bignell to clear without alarm.
Shane Pierson then sent a presentable effort from eight yards soaring over the crossbar before JD Worley, with almost the last kick of the game, summed up UDA's evening in front of goal with a tame finish that asked nothing of Bignell.
Ledbury are back at New Street on Friday 27th March as they welcome Kington Town.
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