LEDBURY Town look set to miss out on promotion for a third season running after a heavy defeat at the home of title favourites Wellington on Saturday.

Town needed to win to stand any chance of catching their opponents in the table, but they were well beaten on the day and now sit three points off the top having played two games more.

It was the worst possible start for Ledbury as a foul on Freddie Fox gave away a fifth-minute penalty that was calmly converted by Wilf Munn.

Wellington doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when William Loughman's 30-yard thunderbolt flew past Alex Goode in the Ledbury goal.

That acted as a hammer blow to Ledbury but they did get themselves back in the game shortly before half-time when James Febery's header found the back of the net. 

But their joy was short-lived as the key goal came right on the stroke of the half-time whistle.

Harley Morris went through one-on-one and showed a great deal of composure to slot past Goode.

It was a big blow for the visitors and at 3-1 down, it was going to take something special to turn the game around against a Wellington side that have lost just three games in the 2023/24 campaign.

Ledbury did what they could but were unable to make the breakthrough in the second-half and with 12 minutes to play, the result was tied up. Another penalty was awarded by the referee and Munn made no mistake once more.

Wellington now look set to win the title and gain promotion to Step 6. They have five games to play and sit three clear of second-placed Kington, who jumped up above Ledbury thanks to their 1-0 win over Malvern Town Development. They have played three games more then the leaders.

As for Ledbury, they have three games left of their season, in which they will be looking to try and finish as 'best of the rest' in second.