VICTORY over league leaders Ross Juniors could be a ‘turning point’ for Ludlow Colts Reserves, says boss Tom Swinbourne – who admitted the transition to men’s football has been an ‘eye opener’.

Swinbourne’s young side enjoyed a chastening start to life in the Herefordshire League, suffering 6-0 and 4-1 defeats to Ledbury Town Reserves and Ross respectively back in September.

Since then, however, they have thrived, taking 10 points from a possible 18 with three wins and a draw from their past six Division One games.

Last Saturday’s 2-1 win over table-topping Ross put them into the top half for the first time – they sit sixth heading into Christmas – and Swinbourne says the win showed how far they have come.

“I think our start showed how tough the transition is from under-17s to men’s football, it was definitely an eye opener for some lads,” he said.

“Hopefully this win will kickstart our season and we can now start to climb the table and show our ability.

“The lads are definitely good enough, I think they just needed a little bit of confidence. Hopefully this could be the turning point of our season.”

Ludlow fell behind early on against Ross but responded superbly as good work from James Byatt set up Kieran Edwards to lash a volley into the top corner from outside the box.

Some outstanding saves from Regan Tonkinson kept the scores level after the break before Daniel Crowther popped up with the winner in a crowded penalty area midway through the second half.

“Ross are a great side and really proved a test for our lads,” added Swinbourne. “Luckily we held on defensively and got a great win to celebrate the festive break with.”

Ludlow Colts’ first team, meanwhile, were handed a lengthier Christmas break as their Premier Division game at Hinton fell victim to a waterlogged pitch.