LEDBURY SWIFTS U-12s 2 F.C. PHOENIX 1

Swifts continued their recent good form, when a goal 2 mins from time earned them both points in a hard fought encounter against F.C. Phoenix. A slight change was made to the Swifts line up for this game with Sam Peplow switching to the left wing, and Luke Perry to the right side of midfield, with Sam Crichard playing just behind lone striker Tom Powell. As always the games between these two sides are played in a good competitive spirit, and this was no exception. For the first fifteen mins both sides were adapting to playing on a muddy pitch after the recent rain, so it was no surprise that play got bogged down in midfield. It was Swifts who began to take the upper hand with some neat passing football, which resulted in a excellant chance for Peplow but he shot just wide. Crichard and Perry combined well on two occassions, firstly creating another chance for Peplow, then setting up Powell who found the net only to be adjudged off side. Phoenix were also causing problems with their centre forward Thomas having to be well marked, Jamie Bubb- Sacklyn again stood up to the test, and was well supported by Alistair Park who denied the striker with a superb tackle as he was about to tap the ball into a empty net. Though Swifts dominated the later stages of the half with some good attacking play, they had to settle for 0-0 at half time. The second half was full of some good attacking play from both sides, with Phoenix switching to playing more down the wings, but Ian Davies and Ashley Nelder were more than a match for the Phoenix efforts. It should not go unnoticed that Adam Davis worked tirelessly in midfield and Chris Savidge was outstanding with his endless work rate. Their efforts led to Swifts taking the lead when Savidge fed Powell who in turn slipped the ball through to Peplow who gave the keeper no chance with a strike into the top corner. Swifts continued to look in control, then Phoenix burst into life 10 mins from time Reynolds in the Swifts goal was called on to make a good save, then Swifts were caught flat footed when Thomas was put through and he made no mistake with a good finish. Perry, Crichard and Davis were replaced by Parsons, Hilling and Gregory for the final stages as Swifts went in search of a winner. This was rewarded when with 2 mins left Gregory picked up a loose ball, sent Powell clear to round the keeper and slot home, it was no more than his and the teams efforts deserved. Swifts are at home again this sunday when they entertain Bartestree KO 2pm.