LYDNEY Town’s first outing at the newly named Sansom Park ended in frustration as two second half goals condemned them to defeat against Thornbury Town in the Hellenic Premier Division on Tuesday night.

It was an evening that promised plenty but delivered little in the opening stages as both sides struggled to create clear chances in a scrappy first half.

The visitors went closest when Callum Chalmers broke through early on but dragged his shot across goal, while at the other end Lydney’s new goalkeeper Will Seeley, making his debut between the posts, was called into action to deny a curling free kick from Luke Garbacz.

Lydney began the second half with far greater intent, moving the ball quicker and showing more aggression in attack. Ethan Vaughan, who impressed down the right flank, was inches from giving the hosts the lead when his powerful strike from the edge of the area cannoned off the post.

Arron Jenkins continued to cause problems, twisting past two defenders before forcing a sharp save from Thornbury keeper Mackenzie Welsh.

But just as Lydney looked on top, they were caught by a sucker punch. A cross from the right hand side ricocheted off the woodwork and fell kindly to Chalmers, who headed in from close range to put Thornbury ahead. Minutes later, Harry Brock doubled their lead, racing clear of the defence and coolly finishing beyond Seeley to make it 2–0.

Despite the setback, Lydney kept pressing, with Frankie Johnson testing Welsh from long range and Lee Smith working tirelessly up front. Yet Thornbury held firm, defending in numbers and seeing out the game to secure all three points.

The defeat leaves Lydney rooted to the bottom of the Hellenic League Premier Division table with just six points from 15 matches.