Lydney Town 1 Tuffley Rovers 0LYDNEY Town ended their 11-game losing streak in style with a victory in a midweek Hellenic League Premier Division county derby.

Skipper and birthday boy Sam Elliott’s 22-minute header secured Lydney’s first points since December 5 but Town could have won by more with more composure in front of goal. Pete Macklin had the first attempt on goal but his shot from distance was blocked while at the other end Brett James sent an effort sailing over the bar.

Lydney scored what turned out to be the winner following a free-kick when Matt Board’s set-piece was sent to the far post.

Elliott rose highest to plant a firm header past Evans in the Tuffley goal.

Lydney enjoyed their best spell following the goal, and Jack Rutter was unlucky to see his close range effort come back off the post with Evans routed to the spot.

Neither side had much joy down the flanks and the game was mostly played out in a congested midfield.

The tide turned in the second half with Lydney seeing a lot more of the ball. Dan Morgan’s early corner was powered at goal by the head of Gabriel but Evans turned the ball over the bar.

The pacey Toumani Sidibi was halted in his tracks following a poor challenge in midfield and from the resulting free kick Rutter miss-kicked with the goal at his mercy.

Tuffley talisman Shayne Bradley tested Rich Thomas with a drilled effort that Town’s keeper was more than comfortable with.

There was always going to be at least one last chance for the visitors and it fell to player manager Pritchard. His sweet drive from 20 yards was heading for the bottom corner only for Thomas to get a strong hand on it and push it away.