After a humiliating 10-1 defeat in their last game, Lydney Town could have been forgiven for starting their next match with their heads down. However, there was no sign of defeatism when they faced Westfields at home on Friday evening. 

Manager Danny Elliott was forced to make changes once again, with several players unavailable for selection. With goalkeeper Rich Thomas working away, the club brought in Tom Way on loan from Cheltenham Town. Unlike some previous loan signings, Way looked a solid acquisition. Former player Kristian Burnard, now on dual registration with Broadwell, slotted into the back four alongside new signings Jake Bevan and Zac White, who was superb throughout the evening. 

Westfields, as expected, came out of the blocks quickly, sensing Lydney’s potential vulnerability. Dan Stoneman, with his pace and crossing ability, made inroads down the right flank early on. However, it was Lydney who first threatened, with a wicked free-kick from Billy Guest that forced a fine save from Westfields keeper Shay Sterry. 

Lydney should have taken the lead on 20 minutes when the usually reliable Lewis Thompson headed wide from close range, missing a golden opportunity. Shortly after, Lewis Pinchard almost broke the deadlock with a superb move, chopping inside his marker before unleashing a shot that Sterry pushed wide with another excellent save. 

As the half progressed, the match became scrappier, with a flurry of yellow cards issued for needless challenges from both sides. Westfields ended the half strongly, nearly scoring when a deflected effort from Mason Godsall forced Burnard to clear for a corner. Stoneman’s dangerous cross was met by striker Cawley Cox, but Tom Way tipped the header over the bar just before the half-time whistle. 

The second half began much like the first, with Stoneman continuing to cause problems down the flank. Early on, his low cross just evaded Cox at the far post by inches. Lydney struggled to contain Stoneman, and in the 60th minute, he provided a near-identical cross that Cox met perfectly, hammering the ball into the roof of the net to give Westfields the lead. 

In response, Lydney made a triple substitution, bringing on Dave and Arron Jenkins for Thompson and Guest, followed by Josh Aldridge for Simon Prangley. However, Westfields secured the points in the 84th minute when Stoneman set up substitute James Hancock down the left side. Although it initially seemed like Hancock had wasted the chance, his shot took a deflection, looping over Way’s head to make it 2-0. 

Despite the defeat, the home supporters saw enough improvement from their team to believe that, with continued commitment, results will eventually turn in their favour.