WOOFFERTON’S impressive season continued as they made it through to the HFA Junior Cup quarter-finals with victory over Ludlow Colts.

Malcolm Barnard’s side won 6-0 at Ludlow last month in the Herefordshire County League Division One but Saturday’s clash was much closer with the Colts putting out a strong team.

Si Bradley gave Woofferton an early lead but Ludlow’s Sammy Watkins levelled the scores with 15 minutes to go.

The Blues weren’t to be denied, however, and Marian Jusko scored a late winner to settle a tense derby fixture.

Proud Blues boss Barnard said: “The way the lads fought for each other and the passion shown in this local derby was amazing.

“We had injuries all over the patch and having to play against half of Ludlow's first team was a stiffer test than usual, but we battled and got the win.

“Everyone put in a shift and I'm proud to be their manager after their efforts.

"I want to thank them for their effort week in, week out.”

Barnard also reserved special praise for midfielder Jack Pound and goalkeeper Dan Coleman for the parts they played in the Cup win.

“Jack did an excellent job on Kieran Dovey and he basically marked him out of the game,” Barnard said.

“That really helped as Dovey can be a handful.

“Dan was excellent also, saving a Dovey shot which you'd normally put money on him scoring.

“There was a real buzz around the team before the game as we knew the Colts were going to field a strong side and it was going to be a real test but our lads knew we could win.”

John Burgoyne and Tom Ballard both played a part for Woofferton after returning from injuries.

The impressive Bradley, who played through the pain barrier after picking up a knock during the game, gave Woofferton the lead in the tenth minute.

His first shot cannoned back off the woodwork but the forward was quickest to react and he slotted home.

Ludlow responded with a quarter of an hour to go, however, with Watkins finishing well from Jack Bright’s cross.

The Colts then hit the post through James Byatt but Woofferton grabbed the winner when Bradley’s flick pass put Jusko through on goal.

He rounded home keeper Kieron Roche and fired home to send Woofferton through to the quarter-finals where they are scheduled to take on Wellington Colts.

Ludlow boss Christian Leech said: “I was pleased with the performance but you’ve got to take your chances.

“Last time we played Woofferton we lost 6-0. This time we competed well with them and showed great determination and spirit.

“We’ve got some new players in now so hopefully we can kick on for the rest of the season.”

Woofferton return to Herefordshire County League Division One action this Saturday when they host bottom club Fownhope Reserves.

Ludlow Colts, meanwhile, will be hoping to start climbing the table and travel to fifth-placed Hereford City.