ORLETON manager Mark Hollis hopes last weekend’s cup win – and the gradual return of key players – can be the springboard to kick-start his side’s season.

Hollis’ men got the better of inter-club rivals Orleton Reserves in the Herefordshire Junior Cup last Saturday in a rather unusual derby.

The ‘reserves’ were last season’s first team, who dropped down two levels from the Premier to play in Division Two, leaving Hollis’s Division One side – previously the reserves – to take over the ‘firsts’ mantle.

That role reversal meant the cup clash was unsurprisingly close but it was the ‘new’ first team that came from behind to triumph 2-1 – much to Hollis’ delight after starting the league season with two defeats.

Hollis said: “We were quite nervous before, especially with us being the first team now. There was more pressure on us and I think the lads felt that but they did well to come back.

“For the first couple of games, I’ve had nine players missing – some away on holiday, some injured – and a lot of those have been key players.”

Orleton this weekend host Ewyas Harold Reserves – who lost their opening league game of the season 7-1 – in an early ‘bottom-two’ Division One clash and Hollis admitted: “It’s a big game.

“But we have two of our lads coming back for the game which is good. We under-performed in our first league game but in our second game against Ross (4-3 defeat) we played really well.”

Nathan Hardisty had an early goal disallowed for Orleton in the cup game and the reserves then went ahead through Jacob Thorley.

However, the second half was a different matter as Chris Breakwell tucked home a Corey Whitticase cross to bring Orleton level.

Kieron Hollis then hit the woodwork before Brandon Himsley scored from a corner to win it for the firsts, although they needed a couple of fine saves from keeper Liam Hill to prevent the reserves equalising.

There was also HFA Junior Cup joy for Orleton’s Herefordshire Division One rivals Ludlow Colts as they hit hosts Malvern Vale for six to storm into the next round.

Simon Bradley opened the floodgates after just five minutes by finding the top corner and Jabez Smith soon doubled Ludlow’s lead.

A Malvern own goal made it 3-0 before the break and Smith added his second and Ludlow’s fourth a minute into the second half.

Scott Gilbert added Colts’ fifth goal and although Malvern capitalised on a defensive error to pull one back, Smith rounded off a fine 6-1 win on 63 minutes by completing his hat-trick.

Ludlow – who beat the aforementioned Ewyas Harold 7-1 in their league opener – have now scored 13 goals in two competitive games this season.

They will hope to keep their scoring boots on when they entertain Hereford City in Division One action this Saturday, 2.30pm kick-off.