LYDNEY Town are aiming for a mid-table finish upon their return to the Hellenic League Premier Division, according to manager Mark Lee.

But they’ll have to do it without Division One West’s top goalscorer Pat Gibbs, who led the charts with 23 last season.

Gibbs tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the Forest Select XI match against Cinderford Town in July but Lee is hoping his men see it as an opportunity to step up.

“We’ve got Pete Macklin, Jarred Liddington and Rich Kear who capable of pitching in with plenty of goals,” Lee said.

“Not having Pat is a big loss but if anything we were overly reliant on his goals last season.

“We’ve also got Declan Morley-Lyne who’s a good threat going forward and we’ve got a dynamic, attacking midfield.”

Lydney’s pre-season started with a 6-0 win over Broadwell but they then lost against Monmouth Town - but Lee says the improvement since then has been marked.

For the full story buy The Forester.