NORTH Nibley Veterans travelled to league leaders Ledbury on Sunday and lost by the odd goal in three.

The visitors made the worst possible start, falling 2-0 down inside five minutes from a couple of poor defensive errors.

Things were made worse with Jon Cruse being taken off after ten minutes with an ankle injury.

Slowly Nibley got into the game with Mat Young, Chris Thomson and the influential Steve Jones getting to grips with the poor pitch and getting more control over the midfield area, with the wide men of Dan Greening and Wayne Whitlock coming more into the game.

Nibley started the second half strongly without really testing the Ledbury keeper.

The back three from Nibley of Shaun Cowle, Pete Jenner and James Drennan got the upper hand over the Ledbury strikers.

After 65 minutes Nibley reduced the deficit when Young scored from 12 yards from a Jones cut back.

Si Bean in goal kept Nibley in the game with a couple of top class saves, but they could have taken a deserved point when both Young and Jones went close.

Both teams tried to play some decent football on a very difficult pitch.

North Nibley entertain Shortwood Veterans at Rednock AWP on February 16.

Star man: Steve Jones.