CLEE Hill United returned to action in victorious fashion in the new-look Herefordshire League set-up – but were made to work in doing so.

With the Premier Division split into two halves in order to complete the season following lockdown, United got their top-half group off to a winning start by triumphing 2-1 at Hereford Pegasus Reserves.

After Kieran Hall and Stevie Preece both went close in the first half, while Kieron Roche produced a stunning save at the other end, Clee Hill fell behind against the run of play after the break.

Preece then provided assists for James Clifford and Adam Warren to turn the game on its head and United held out despite the dismissal of Ben Slingsby for dissent.

“It was a very good performance and result,” said pleased boss Wayne Whitbread.

“Fitness levels weren’t as good as they normally would be but the lads saw the game out well.”

Ludlow Town Colts went 2-0 up inside 20 minutes of their game at Ewyas Harold but ended up losing 3-2.

There was better news for Ludlow Colts Reserves who beat Burghill Rangers 3-1 to progress in the Herefordshire FA Junior Cup thanks to goals from Scott Guilbert, Corey Whitticase and Josh Wills.

In the Salop Leisure League’s new group tournament, Ludlow FC lost their opener 2-1 at Newport with Owen Holdsworth getting their goal.