ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town were left frustrated as they slipped to their third defeat of the season at the hands of Lydney Town.

Paul Braithwaite’s side were bested 2-1 at the Gerrard Buxton Sports Ground, losing to Lydney by a single goal for the third time in a row, and conceded the match-winning goal just two minutes after the visitors had been reduced to 10 men.

Lydney excelled in keeping a lid on Bassett early on with Dan Bailey forcing Richard Thomas into an improvised save with his face after Dan Comer’s cross deflected into his path.

In the early stages of the second half, Scott Walduck shot into the visiting goalie’s hands whilst Steve Robertson rattled the post from a tight angle later on.

But on the hour mark, the home side took broke through the Lydney barricades as striker Robertson beat the offside trap to latch onto Nathan Hawkins’ long ball forward before assuredly lifting the ball into the net over the onrushing Thomas.

However, Lydney levelled just six minutes after falling behind, Declan Morley-Lyne firing a spectacular effort into the top left-hand corner to restore parity.

With 11 minutes to go, the visitors had Ryan Pendrey sent off for lashing out in the wake of a Steve Olphert challenge but that dismissal didn’t herald a Bassett onslaught.

Two minutes later, Hawkins and Jamie Richards went for the same header and collided, presenting Morely-Lyne with an easy pass inside to Harry Williams, who slotted home from 12 yards.

  • HIGHWORTH Town exited Hellenic League Supplementary Challenge Cup after a dramatic 5-3 extra-time loss at the hands of Highmoor-Ibis.

Daniel Drewett either side of half-time in normal time but both times, his goals were followed by Highmoor equalisers in added time, teeing up an extra 30 minutes of play.

After the visitors had stole a march to make it 3-2, Aaron Maximen headed home to restore parity but despite Highmoor going down to 10 men, they contrived to score twice more and see off John Fisher’s men.