Colts in charge of title race
Ludlow Colts are sitting pretty at the top of the Herefordshire League Division One after pulling off a 3-1 home win over title rivals Hinton Reserves, writes John Bridgwater.
Victory took the Colts a point clear of Hinton with no fewer than four games in hand, and was their ninth win in 10 outings, with the other being drawn. They will look to maintain their unbeaten form in the league at home to Bartestree Reserves on Saturday (2pm).
A highly anticipated match between first and second in the league was marred by some bizarre refereeing decisions, but the Colts took the lead after nine minutes through man-of-the-match Jamil Kezze after great work down the right from Dan Griffiths.
Jabez Smith went close to a second when hitting the bar, while moments later Hinton forced a fantastic save from Kieron Roche.
The visitors thought they had levelled from a free-kick, but their effort was wiped out as it was ruled an indirect kick, while the Ludlow side were forced into an early substitution after losing Nath Priday through injury.
The Colts doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second period with Kezze’s second after terrific link-up play with Griffiths who then found the net himself after a great assist by Rhys Lewis to put Ludlow 3-0 up.
Hinton continued to battle hard and pulled a goal back, but the Colts were not to be denied as tempers threatened to boil over late on.
In the same division, Orleton were 4-1 winners away to Belmont Wanderers to move up to third.
Chris Breakwell scored twice, along with Jake Conod and sub Connor Davies-Austin.
