NEWENT Town and Lydney Town shared the spoils as a cagey Forest derby burst into life late on at Wildsmith Meadow on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Hellenic League Division One rivals had to settle for a 1-1 draw after Ben Harbourne put the Daffs ahead before Lydney responded almost immediately.

A decent crowd gathered at Wildsmith Meadow for the local clash, but despite the anticipation surrounding the fixture, clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to come by.

The opening quarter passed goalless and that remained the case approaching the interval, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.

Newent and Lydney consequently went into the changing rooms locked at 0-0 following a first half containing little goalmouth action.

The contest remained finely balanced after the restart, although Newent felt they might have been awarded an opportunity from the penalty spot when Dan Gayner went down inside the Lydney box.

No penalty was given and the stalemate continued through the hour mark and into the closing stages.

But after more than 75 minutes without a goal, the derby suddenly came alive.

Harbourne produced the breakthrough for the hosts to send the Daffs supporters into celebration and put Newent 1-0 ahead.

Their advantage proved short-lived, however, as Lydney hit back to level the contest just minutes later.

After waiting most of the afternoon for a goal, the Wildsmith Meadow crowd had suddenly witnessed two in the space of three minutes.

Lydney had a late opportunity to snatch all three points when they won a corner in the final minute, but Newent held firm to ensure honours ended even.

The Daffs remain at home on Saturday, September 5, when they welcome Brimscombe & Thrupp to Wildsmith Meadow.

Lydney also return to action on Saturday when Shortwood United visit Sansom Park for another Division One fixture.