No let up for Town
Late winner nicks points for Abingdon
Lydney finally made an appearance in a home game on Saturday but remain in deep trouble after a 2-1 defeat to Abingdon Utd.
With Jack Rutter, Lewis Halford and Kerry Hale all missing, even the inclusion of last season's top scorer Declan Morley-Lyne following his return from Cinderford failed to ignite Mark Lee's side.
Niall Halford, Ross Gabriel, Josh Bennai and Toumani Sidibi made up the bench
The visitors had beaten their hosts twice already this season, one being a cup tie, but the early exchanges were positive for Lydney. Macklin's abilty in the air created numerous opportunities for Town to push forward but Cavanagh in the visitors goal was rarely threatened.
Abingdon's first real threat saw Lydney keeper Thomas push a drive from Dennis for a corner which resulted in the opening goal.
The kick was swung into the near post and Lydney's sleeping defence allowed Bateman to head home unchallenged on 28 minutes.
Frankie Johnson saw a drive fly narrowly wide, and 5 minutes later the youngster had the ball in the net only for referee Jacobs to have blown his whistle for a foul. The resulting free kick saw Declan Morley-Lyne 's effort come back off the woodwork with Cavanagh beaten.
Lydney kept battling and were rewarded 2 minutes before the break. Some good work by Sheppard in midfield led to the ball finding Hamblett.
His cross was flicked on by the head of Macklin and Johnson poked home from close range to send the sides in level.
The second half failed to come to life until changes in personnel were introduced. Josh Bennai replaced Owen Williams and Johnson, who had a fine game, made way for Toumani Sidibi.
The two subs certainly injected some more pace into the game and Lydney began to look as if they could nick it. One superb run and cross by Sidibi was perfect fodder for Town's top scorer Gabriel but the striker was still on the bench.
Niall Halford replaced Pete Macklin for the last 10 minutes but his lack of game time due to injury was probably the reason he ballooned another Sidibi cross over the top with the goal at his mercy.
MorleyLyne was shown a yellow card for his reaction to one of several cynical challenges as the game deteriorated in the final stages, and the game saw a twist of fate in added time.
Lydney saw a free kick in a dangerous position fail the beat the first defender yet again on the day, and Abingdon broke on the counter.
John Dennis found himself in acres of space on the right flank and his cross come shot sailed over the head of Thomas to nestle in the far corner of Lydney's net for the winner.
The old adage in football of things going against you when your are down certainly reared it's head today. Although Town didn't really do enough to win as the home team, they deserved a share of the points. The games in hand are still there, but it's points required to avoid relegation, and on this showing it's hard to know where they will come from
Assist
Pete Macklin
Star Player
Liam SheppardKey moments
Highlights
As it happened
- Lydney Town
- Abingdon United
- 0
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Charlie Bateman Goal 28:00'
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Pete Macklin Assist 43:00'
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Frankie Johnson Goal 43:00'
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Declan Morley-Lyne Yellow Card 70:00'
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Owen Williams Sub Off 75:00'
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Josh Bennai Sub On 75:00'
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Pete Macklin Sub Off 80:00'
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Niall Halford Sub On 80:00'
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Frankie Johnson Sub Off 80:00'
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Toumani Sidibi Sub On 80:00'
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John Dennis Goal 90:00'
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Standings
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 14. | Ascot United | 38 | 40 |
| 15. | Royal Wootton Bassett | 38 | 39 |
| 16. | Lydney Town | 38 | 33 |
| 17. | Highmoor Ibis | 38 | 29 |
| 18. | Fairford Town | 38 | 28 |
| 19. | Woodley United | 38 | 26 |
| 20. | Burnham | 38 | 24 |
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