LEDBURY Town enter 2024 with one thing on their wish list, promotion.

In each of the last two seasons, Ledbury have been the nearly men, coming second in both the 21-22 and 22-23 seasons in the Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division.

Last year should have been different. They were top of the table for so long, but were pipped in dramatic style on the last weekend by Sporting Club Inkberrow, who are now flying high at Step 6.

Manager Ian Merrick's ambition of promotion has been clear since his arrival in August 2021 and going into 2024, they are right in the mix.

They currently sit second in the table but have played a game more than leaders New Dales Vale, who are two points clear at the summit, and two more than third-placed Wellington, who are two points further back.

Town aren't in pole position but they could take a big stride towards their goal in the first two weeks back from the Christmas break.

They head to fifth-placed Clee Hill United on Saturday, a side that are unbeaten at home this season before a mouth-watering contest at New Dales Vale next weekend.

They still have Wellington left to play as well, so Merrick's men still have an element of deciding their own destiny this season, but they are games they must win to stand a chance of winning the league title.