LYDBROOK Athletic showed plenty of spirit and attacking intent in their first pre-season outing but were narrowly beaten 3–2 by Abbeymead Rovers in an entertaining and hard-fought friendly on home turf.

The Forest of Dean side made a bright start, but it was Abbeymead who struck first after just ten minutes. The goal came from a moment of confusion involving the Lydbrook defence with the final touch appearing to come off a home player.

Abbeymead forward Montell Smith was quick to claim the goal, and the Lydbrook defender will no doubt let him have it after the fact.

Lydbrook responded well, pushing forward with purpose and testing the visitors' back line, but they were dealt another blow midway through the first half when Kieran Smith doubled Abbeymead’s lead with a composed finish.

The hosts kept their heads up and were rewarded just before the break, pulling one back to go into half-time trailing 2–1.

The second half started evenly, but Abbeymead restored their two-goal cushion 20 minutes in thanks to debutant Rhys Lewis, who marked his first appearance with a well-struck effort.

At that stage, the visitors looked in control and had several chances to extend their lead further, but a combination of missed opportunities and a renewed push from Lydbrook kept the game alive.

The hosts were rewarded for their persistence with a stunning long-range strike that made it 3–2 heading into the final minutes.

Despite Lydbrook’s late pressure, Abbeymead held on, thanks largely to a standout display from goalkeeper Ben Perrins, who was named man of the match for his string of important saves that kept the home side at bay.

While the result didn’t go their way, Lydbrook can take plenty of positives from the performance, particularly their attacking intent and determination to stay in the game.