A DEPLEATED Lydney Town endured a torrid afternoon at The Rec on Saturday, falling to a 5-0 defeat against a clinical Mangotsfield United, reports Wayne Jones.

Missing several key players, including the suspended Kristian Burnard and the injured Archie Myatt, Town’s patched-together squad faced an uphill battle before kick-off. Matters worsened within the opening minute when player-manager Lee Smith was forced off following a heavy challenge, leaving Lydney’s top scorer sidelined with a serious leg injury.

Mangotsfield seized control early, with Michael Barry causing constant problems down the flanks. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Barry turned home unmarked at the far post. Town goalkeeper Rich Thomas kept the scoreline respectable with two fine saves to deny Barry and George Neill, but Lydney’s makeshift defence struggled to contain Mangotsfield’s pace and precision.

A rare chance for the hosts came when substitute Sam Wines narrowly failed to connect at the far post, leaving Lydney trailing 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw Mangotsfield ramp up the pressure. Mircea Llea doubled their lead five minutes after the restart, heading in unchallenged from a corner. James White added a deflected effort in the 66th minute, and the floodgates opened further as Lewis Powell struck twice in quick succession to seal a dominant win for the visitors.

Lydney’s injury woes worsened as new signing Charlie Richards limped off, while two late efforts from the home side rattled the crossbar but failed to find the net.

The news on Lee Smith is grim. After hospital treatment, it was confirmed that the player-manager has suffered a shattered kneecap, which could see him sidelined for an extended period.

Lydney Town will now face a challenging rebuild ahead of their next fixture, with hopes of steadying the ship after a bruising outing at home.