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Shobdon v Ledbury Town

2.30pm  1 May 2021

Herefordshire County League, Premier Division, Bottom Section
Shobdon 1 Ledbury Town 3 (att 35)

Having enjoyed a recent trip to Holme Lacy, and still needing to find games on grounds that are definitely open to spectators, I took another step towards completing the top division of the Herefordshire League.

For a club that has never, as far as I'm aware, played at higher level than county league, Shobdon's ground is excellent. The entrance is next to a wooden pavilion that houses changing rooms, a tea bar and has a verandah.

The pitch runs widthways, at an angle, and is fenced off, with advertising boards and dugouts. There's a junior pitch beyond and the whole ground gives the impression of being well looked after.

Not only that, but it's right next door to Shobdon Airfield, which was surprisingly busy. I saw aeroplanes, gliders, microlights and what I think was a gyrocopter all taking off and landing.

Not that there was any lack of action on the pitch the keep me entertained. Ledbury scored first but Shobdon, who'd won both their opening fixtures in the post-lockdown mini-league, were level by half time.

The home side were on top after the break, but couldn't turn their superiority into a goal and paid the price when Ledbury netted twice to win the points.

It was a good game, and made me think that the standard of football and facilities are such that the Herefordshire County League ought to be among the leagues at 'step seven' of the English football pyramid.









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