Uhlsport Hellenic League

Division One West

Lydney Town 1

Cheltenham Saracens 1

SAM Elliott's Bank Holiday goal earned Lydney a worthy draw against fourth-placed Saracens at The Recreation Ground.

Lydney are now the only unbeaten side in the Hellenic League.

Town were without striker Niall Halford, but had Jones, Gittings and Liddington on the bench.

In front of a cold but enthusiastic crowd, Lydney went ahead in just the second minute.

Matt Timmins saw his header from a Ricky Elliott corner cleared off the line, but defender Sam Elliott was first to react, heading the loose ball into the top corner.

Saracens hit back immediately, but Lydney keeper Mike Reddan made a superb one-handed save to deny Matt Minnett.

The visitors played a quick passing game that caused Lydney's defence lots of problems. Reddan made another crucial save in the 17th minute. The resulting corner was headed out of the area, but Saracens captain Luke Tovey hammered a fantastic effort back into the net.

Saracens grew in confidence and looked by far the best side Lydney had faced at home this season.

The Severnsiders had to work extremely hard just to stay in the game.

Town finished the opening half the stronger and Adam Price saw a goal-bound effort beaten away by keeper Betteridge.

Just before the break, Saracens defender Ryan Paddock was carried off on a stretcher following a 50/50 challenge with Morse in midfield.

Lydney lost Sam Elliott to injury five minutes into the second-half and he was replaced by Steve Jones.

Danny Clarke saw lots of the ball and provided a stream of quality crosses into the danger area. Ross Lindsay and Matt Timmins narrowly failed to get on the end of them.

Timmins was foiled by yet another block by Betteridge when the striker looked certain to score. Stallard's superb cross provided the opening.

Gittings replaced Lindsay on 68 minutes but the visitors continued to press.

Matt Minnett fired wide when well placed before Reddan saved at the second attempt from Griffiths.

Ricky Elliott made way for Jared Liddington on 85 minutes but Lydney were unable to find the net again. A draw was certainly the fairest result.

James Morse was Lydney's man of the match for an energetic display that included some big challenges and fine passing.