Late penalty drama sees Ledbury draw 2-2 with Littleton

In what was arguably their best display of the season, Merrick's side dominated for long periods and overturned a half-time deficit through two rapid Ryan Dobbins headers, only to be undone in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Sean Brain converted a debatable penalty.

Ledbury were on the front foot from the first whistle. Jack Tolley should have opened the scoring early on, his effort smartly deflected over the bar, while Micula's volley dipped narrowly over following a poorly defended corner.

Gayner also went close twice as Littleton looked vulnerable at set-pieces throughout.

But against the run of play, it was the visitors who went in ahead at the break.

Brain had earlier tested the returning Oscar Bignell with an awkwardly deflected effort, but his second strike drew gasps - a firm finish that clattered in off the underside of the bar after a rare lapse of concentration at the back.

Whatever Merrick said at half-time had the desired effect. Within minutes of the restart, Dobbins powered a header from Cosmin Micula's delivery past Wilcox to draw Ledbury level.

A minute later he had his second, nodding home Gayner's cross to put Ledbury in front.

Littleton were shell-shocked and Ledbury sensed blood. Substitute Finn Skidmore was denied a third by a sharp Wilcox save, Dobbins went agonisingly close to his hat-trick, and Gayner saw a glanced header rebound off the post. A third goal felt inevitable.

Then came the first of the two moments that will dominate conversation in Ledbury for days. Jack Tolley was clearly brought down inside the area, the assistant's flag went up immediately. After consulting, the referee appeared to agree but did not reverse his original decision, awarding a goal-kick.

Ledbury pushed on regardless, and Bignell's smart stop from Rae appeared to see the home side safely home.

But five minutes into stoppage time, James Febery made what looked to be a well timed challenge on Ben Elliott. The referee pointed to the spot. Brain converted, the whistle went, and that was that.

Merrick was visibly furious at the final whistle, and his players' devastation was plain to see.

There are positives to take. The football this side can produce when firing on all cylinders gives real cause for optimism heading into next season, and Dobbins in this form is a handful for any defence in the league.

But two points dropped to Clee Hill last week and this end to a campaign leaves a bitter taste.

Ledbury travel to Lydney to take on UDA Glos on Tuesday, April 22, kick-off 7.45pm.