Errea Northern Senior League
Stroud 4
Lydbrook Athletic 6
LYDBROOK made a flying start to 2011 with their best performance of the season so far in this New Year's Day fixture.
An own-goal put Lydbrook in front, but Stroud levelled from a set piece. An excellent team move then resulted in a second goal for the home side.
The game turned on an incident just before the break.
Matt Creed's free-kick was flicked on by James Turley and heading for the net, until a Stroud defender punched the ball off the line. It resulted in a red card for him and a penalty kick for Lydbrook, which Tom Creed coolly converted.
Mike Etheridge scored Lydbrook's third goal early in the second period, but Stroud hit back from the penalty spot following an Alex Porter foul.
Lydbrook seized control of the match with three quick goals through James Turley, Stuart Arnold and Lee Cooper. The latter came on as a sub for the injured Dewi Stuart on 30 minutes.
Stroud scored a fourth goal on the stroke of full-time.
Lydbrook Athletic: Craig Edwards, Grant Lawrence, Simon Holland, Alex Porter, Craig Broadman, Mike Etheridge, Matt Creed, Stuart Arnold, Tom Creed, Dewi Stuart, James Turley. Subs: Lee Cooper, Tom Skinner, Lee Hanson.