DAVE ‘Magnum’ Thomas celebrated his first goal for 17 years, but Orleton Colts were left pondering on what might and should have been after squandering a 3-0 lead against Fownhope in the Premier Division of the Hereford Times Herefordshire League.

Colts led after only two minutes when AFC Ludlow’s Danny Crowther netted from an acute angle, and the veteran Thomas, who rejoined Orleton from Woofferton in the summer, quickly added a second, heading home at the near post from a Will Caswell corner. His last goal had been for Leintwardine in 1998.

Kristian Morgan’s men appeared to be in cruise control when Nathan Hardisty swooped to make it 3-0, dinking his finish over the Fownhope keeper, but then things started to go awry.

Ten minutes from time Fownhope pulled a goal back and Orleton were stunned as two more in quick succession earned the visitors a smash-and-grab point from a 3-3 draw.

Orleton, without a win from their opening three league matches, face defending champions Ewyas Harold at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, and Divisions One and Two of the Herefordshire League also kick off this weekend.

In Division One, Colts Reserves travel to Belmont Wanderers, Woofferton visit Bromyard FC and newly promoted Tenbury Town, last season’s Division Two champions, are away at Ewyas Harold Reserves.

A third straight defeat for Church Stretton in the Premier Division of the Mercian League saw Paul Smith’s side beaten 4-1 at Childs Ercall.

Sean Gough netted the goal for a makeshift Stretton side whose resources were severely stretched. They now have a weekend off to regroup before their next fixture at Prees on Saturday, September 5.

The start of the Division One programme sees Clee Hill United visit Brown Clee in a local derby while Newcastle, who were playing Shobdon last night (Wednesday) in a friendly, launch their Mid Wales League South Division One programme with a home game against Hay St Marys Reserves.

Newcastle have been given a bye in the first round of the Pip Samuel-sponsored League Cup.