Uhlsport Hellenic League
Headington 2
Lydney Town 0
FOLLOWING their epic battle with Hallen in midweek, a tough trip to league leaders Headington on Saturday was hardly what Neil Hook's men wanted.
James Morse returned from injury to the Town starting line-up, while club captain Ricky Elliott surprisingly made the bench after being hurt against Tytherington the previous week.
Headington took the lead in the fifth minute when the dangerous Luke Cuff collected a through-ball, beat the Lydney defence and slotted past keeper Reddan. The Headington centre-forward must love playing Lydney, having scored six goals in his last four games against them.
Lydney tried to get back into the game, but could not find the form that had seen them go 14 league games unbeaten. Indeed, they were lucky to be only one goal down at the break.
Lydney were again outplayed in the second period, although Sam Elliott went close to getting an equaliser when he headed a Danny Clarke corner wide.
Five minutes from time, the home side sealed victory when Aftab Hafiz found the net with a tremendous shot from the edge of the box.
Niall Halford went close with a couple of minutes to go, but Lydney could not prevent a second consecutive league defeat.
Headington fully deserved to take all three points from this match.
Lydney, disappointingly, were below par for what many billed as a title decider.
Since the New Year, Lydney have played seven games in 20 days. They'll be looking for a return to form against Cricklade Town this Saturday following a week's rest.