LYDNEY Town ended a six-game losing streak on Saturday, twice battling back at home against Brimscombe & Thrupp to secure a well-earned point, reports Wayne Jones.

With Kyan Skidmore suspended, Ben Prictor stepped in at full-back, while Archie Myatt retained his spot on the wing. The visitors struck early, earning a penalty in the fifth minute when Lydney’s keeper fouled Joe Stokes. Phin Chalmers calmly slotted it in to give Brimscombe the lead.

Undeterred, Lydney pressed forward and created several good chances. A pinpoint cross from Dan Brain found Brett James in the six-yard box, but he scooped his shot over the bar. Soon after, Keelan Hamblett’s free kick reached skipper Sheen, who shot high.

It wasn’t all one-way traffic, as Rich Thomas made a superb save against Raiyan Ahmed, and Stokes missed an open goal soon after. With halftime approaching, Brain’s cross was cleared only as far as Lee Smith, who controlled and blasted it into the top corner to equalise.

Brimscombe began to control play in the second half. Harrison and Ahmed both came close with long-range shots. Lydney’s Ryan Dobbins was replaced by Billy Guest, who added grit to the midfield but was soon booked for a strong challenge.

Brimscombe regained the lead when Ahmed’s shot deflected heavily off Kristian Burnard, wrong-footing Thomas to make it 2-1. With time running out, Sam Wines came on for Brain, and Lydney threw everything forward. A late free kick from Thomas found Smith, whose header sailed inside the far post for a last-gasp equaliser.

The game ended in drama as Burnard received a second yellow card right after the goal, leaving Lydney a man down for the closing moments. In the end, a draw felt like a fair result, with both teams missing clear chances to claim victory.