LEDBURY FC manager - Ian Merrick - has said his side 'were brilliant from start to finish' as they triumphed 4-2 over Clee Hill United. 

The game marked the sides' third win of the season, with a tangible improvement seen in Ledbury's performances since Merrick was re-appointed. 

"I thought we were brilliant from start to finish pretty much," said Merrick. "We dominated the play, and you could say the only negative thing was that we didn’t score more.

"At 0-0 the game went on and we were wasteful in front of goal, they scored completely against the run of play. Craig Howell scored an absolutely outstanding goal from about 30 yards to draw us level.

"It looked like we were going to be the ones to score the next goal, and they nicked one just before half time. The team talk was to keep playing how we are playing and I think we will win the game, because I really thought we were good value for it, really thought we were excellent.

"Second half we scored the second one which was a very well taken goal and then we scored quite quickly after that to go 3-2 ahead.

"We really limited their chances and looked like the only team that was going to win the game, then we made it four. Again the game should have been dead.

"It should have been six or seven really, we just didn’t convert the chances. But it was pleasing because we were getting in some great attacking positions."

It was an impressive performance for Merrick's Ledbury, and one they will hope to continue to replicate for the remainder of the season, turning their previous form on its head.

"Football is a game of confidence no matter what level you are at," said Merrick. "If you look at Manchester City now they are on this losing streak so to speak, and that is at the very highest level – it is a habit.

"We won so many games in my previous reign because it is a habit and teams would fear you before you even play them because they know that you don’t roll over.

"They had only won twice previously before Saturday so that winning feeling when you are in a clubhouse after, and the beer tastes a little bit sweeter. Those lads know that winning feeling, it is great, they will want to experience that again."

Next time out, Ledbury play a Welland side near the bottom of the table, but the existing history between the clubs ensures the game is a must-win for Merrick's side. 

Welland derailed Ledbury's promotion ambitions in Merrick's previous tenure at the club - scoring an injury-time equaliser to ensure the side didn't win the league. 

"We would have been promoted to the Hellenic league but we drew with Welland a couple of seasons ago," said Merrick. "Their goalkeeper scored an injury time equaliser in the 93rd minute, we were 20 seconds away from winning the league basically."

The game kicks off this Saturday (December 7) at 2pm.