LUDLOW Town Colts ended the year with a brave display in defeat to high-flying Ledbury Town in the Herefordshire Premier Division.

Second-placed Ledbury raced into a two-goal lead but Colts were denied what they felt was a stonewall penalty when Sam Thomas appeared to be fouled in the area.

Luke Hicks’ 25-yard screamer rattled the bar before Ludlow deservedly pulled one back on the stroke of half-time as Hicks headed home Jake Conod’s pinpoint free-kick.

Colts dominated the second half but could not find the leveller their efforts deserved, although they remain a creditable fifth in the table heading into 2022.