Ledbury Swifts U12’s 3 Bartestree U12’s 1

Though this was a patchy performance by Swifts they managed to make it three wins in succession against a determined Bartestree side. Swifts started the game well and soon had a shakey Bartestree defence under pressure, and it was no surprise when Swifts took the lead after three minutes when Sam CRITCHARD created space in the box to score with a shot into the top corner. Instead of building on their start Swifts allowed Bartestree to take control. Swifts defence was unnecessarily over worked and was slow to react and close down the opposition, but prevented any strikes on their goal. Swifts were enjoying plenty freedom down the right side with Luke PERRY and Sam CRICHARD especially causing problems. Right back Ian DAVIES who had a solid game throughout joined in with some excellent crosses into the opposition penalty area from which Swifts took a 2-0 lead. The Bartestree goalkeeper failed to hold onto a cross and Sam PEPLOW was on hand to slot the ball into the back of the net. The scoreline did not reflect the play as Bartestree ran the game from midfield, another excellent defensive display by Jamie BUBB – SACKLYN kept the defence in tact. Swifts nearly added a third goal when CRICHARD’s clever lob of the goalkeeper slipped the wrong side of the far post, a good strike by Chris SAVAGE was well saved by the Bartestree keeper.
Bartestree were then awarded a free kick just outside the Ledbury penalty area and a well struck shot by WOOLEY beat Dave REYNOLDS in the Swifts goal who despite his best efforts was only able to palm it into the roof of the net. WOOLEY should have levelled just before half time but scooped one shot over the bar and a second was superbly saved by the outstretched hand of REYNOLDS.
Swifts captain Ashley NELDER was replaced at halftime by Calvin NDLOVU and SAVIDGE was forced to take on a central defensive role. Both sides worked tirelessly throughout the second half and Adam DAVIES was unlucky to see his effort go over the bar and REYNOLDS denied Bartestree a second with another fine save. Swifts were denied twice by the woodwork when Luke PERRY struck the post and the rebound was clattered into the bar by PEPLOW. The game was finely balanced up to the final 5 minutes when a PEPLOW cross was tucked in at the front post by NDLOVU.
Swifts play their last game before the Christmas break when they travel to Fownhope on Sunday looking to make it four wins on the trot.