Hellenic One West
Winterbourne Utd 2
Lydney Town 3
THIS was a tricky test for Lydney, against the team just one place beneath them in the league table. They passed it with flying colours.
Lydney made the perfect start with Dan Gittings forcing a first minute corner.
Danny Clarke's in-swinging cross was skilfully guided home by the head of Matt Timmins.
Lydney caused Winterbourne lots of problems with their attacking play, but the hosts weathered the storm and began to exert some pressure of their own.
James Mainstone equalised in the 35th minute when the visitors failed to clear.
The old adage that a team is most vulnerable directly after they have scored was proven right yet again. Danny Clarke broke down the left from the restart and crossed for Timmins to powerfully head his second goal.
Winterbourne levelled on the hour when Ashley Knight hammered a shot through a crowded penalty area and into the net.
The game became stretched, but Lydney regained the lead in the 65th minute when another Danny Clarke cross deceived a Winterbourne defender. Struggling to turn, he slipped and handled the ball. Mark Lee stepped up to score from the spot.
Winterbourne created several chances, but the Lydney defence held firm.
At the other end, Lydney had opportunities to make the game safe following the introduction of Jared Liddington and Niall Halford for Timmins and Adam Price.
On two separate occasions, Halford shot past the post.
This win sets up an intriguing game for Lydney at home to leaders Headington Amateurs on Saturday.
Headington surprisingly dropped their first points of the season with a 2-2 draw at lowly Hook Norton.
Another win would be a massive boost to Lydney's title hopes.