LYDNEY Town were given an early taste of the challenge that awaits in pre season as last season's Hellenic League Premier Division champions Slimbridge ran out 3-1 winners at Sansom Park.

The visitors stepped in at just 24 hours' notice after a Gloucester City reserve side withdrew from the scheduled fixture, ensuring The Town's preparations continued against higher level opposition.

With Slimbridge promoted after lifting the Hellenic Premier title last season and Lydney having finished bottom of the division before dropping into Division One, the match represented a demanding test against a side now two divisions above them.

Played in the evening sunshine, the contest began at a high tempo as both teams looked to impose themselves early. That intensity gradually eased as the sides settled into the game, although clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium during the opening exchanges.

Slimbridge carved out the first real opening when the ball broke kindly inside the area, only for a superb last ditch challenge from Lydney's number four to deny what looked a certain goal.

The visitors continued to apply pressure and went close again around the half hour mark. Following a free kick, the ball was worked into the box before a dangerous cut back picked out a teammate, but the resulting effort was fired over the crossbar.

Slimbridge's pressure eventually told before the interval. A driven cross flashed across the face of goal and, after Lydney failed to clear their lines, the ball was bundled home at the back post to give the visitors a 1-0 half time lead.

The game opened up after the break as both sides made changes, but Slimbridge's higher-level quality became increasingly evident as the visitors secured a 3-1 victory.

Despite the defeat, the friendly provided Lydney Town with another valuable test against strong opposition as preparations for the new season continue.