LADYBRIDGE’s 3G pitch is starting to pay off as their Division Two match against Leyland United was the only one to survive the bad weather in the entire league.

But it was not a good day for the local lads who went down 4-0.

After an even first half with chances for both sides, disaster hit Ladybridge in injury time.

Two goals in two minutes knocked the confidence of their young side.

And things went from bad to worse in the second half, when an already injury-depleted home side lost key players John Smalley and Matt Higginson to injury.

Despite a valiant effort, Leyland added insult to injury by adding two further goals.

Ladybridge chairman Steve Hill said: “I think it has been a very frustrating time because we have now got some excellent facilities but we are a young side with an average age of 19 or 20 and have struggled for results.

“They are playing against senior players and it has been a bit disappointing but at the same time we are being optimistic about the future.

“We are hoping the experience will help and playing against more senior opposition will stand them in good stead for next year.”