Hellenic League

Division One West

Lydney Town 0

Malmesbury Victoria 0

LYDNEY went into this game looking to move away from the lower reaches of the league.

Unfortunately, they faced a stubborn Malmesbury side who were not afraid to mix it when required.

The visitors started the better and made the most of Town's inability to keep the ball.

After two crosses flashed across the Lydney box, Malmesbury's Max Sparrow cut inside his marker and smashed an effort into the side netting.

Town had the ball in the net on 30 minutes when Ricky Elliott's free-kick was knocked down by Sam Elliott and Ross Scott volleyed home, only for referee Wales to blow up for a foul.

Just before half-time Lydney had an effort cleared off the line from a corner.

Rich Thomas's long clearance also set Ricky Elliott away down the line and his pass to Ross Scott was hammered into the area where Nial Halford laid the ball back for Jarred Liddington. Malmesbury keeper Brown made a fine save.

The second half was generally even.

Sparrow continued to cause problems and he went closest to scoring with a drive that brought a brilliant diving stop from Thomas.

Sam Elliott then cleared off the line as Town came under more pressure.

Halford was replaced by Dan Bishop on 72 minutes and five minutes later man of the match Glen Stallard was shown a yellow card in his last appearance before departing for Australia.

Foxwell replaced Liddington with 10 minutes to go as Lydney searched for a winner.

They were presented with one last glorious chance when the ball dropped to Dan Bishop, eight yards out, with the goal at his mercy.

The striker smashed his shot over the bar.