BEWDLEY Town's enticing contest with Ellesmere Rangers was ruled out through a waterlogged Ribbesford Meadow pitch this week.

Overnight rain had left sufficient surface water to make parts of the pitch unplayable.

Secretary Steve Godfrey said: "We had to inspect early to prevent Ellesmere from travelling. The club called in a local referee who informed us that we'd start the game - but not finish!

"It's very disappointing. We thought all the work we'd done in pre-season would have been sufficient to prevent this.

"Ironically the previous drainage work was fine and those areas covered were playable. But it's clear we need drainage work across the entire pitch.

"When we inspected the pitch, the rain showed no signs of drying up. Had it stopped raining earlier, we would have been fine!

At least we've managed to keep going two weeks longer than last season!

There was better news in store for Bewdley Town Reserves who reeled off only their second success of the season with a 1-0 triumph at Telford Juniors to lift themselves off bottom spot in West Midlands League Division Two.

Tom Connolly cracked home the only goal after 20 minutes while Nathan Drew excelled in Bewdley's goal.

Bewdley Town travel to Smethwick Rangers this Saturday in the Premier Division while the Reserves entertain Gornal Colts.