LYDNEY Town's challenging run of form continued on Tuesday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sporting Club Inkberrow in a frustrating encounter, adding to their recent string of losses. 

Lydney entered the match looking to reverse their fortunes, but the opening exchanges were cagey, with neither side able to create significant opportunities. 

The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Sporting Club Inkberrow's Tom Emblem unleashed a superb first-time strike into the top right corner, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. 

Lydney Town came agonisingly close to equalising shortly after conceding the opening goal. A well-crafted move saw Sheen and Pinchard combine beautifully to set up Thompson, who found himself in a promising position just 12 yards out. Thompson struck the ball cleanly, but the Inkberrow goalkeeper reacted swiftly to make a crucial save. The resulting corner, however, failed to trouble the hosts, as the keeper confidently claimed the ball. 

Lydney struggled to muster a response, despite a controversial moment when Inkberrow's Harry Grant escaped with just a booking for a reckless tackle. The visitors failed to capitalise on the ensuing free-kick, and the half ended with Lydney trailing by a goal. 

At halftime, Lydney made changes in a bid to spark a comeback, bringing on Aldridge and Brain. However, the second half mirrored the first, with Sporting Club Inkberrow defending well and preventing Lydney from finding their rhythm. 

A dangerous free-kick for Inkberrow in the 64th minute flew over the bar, but despite this let-off, Lydney couldn't create many clear-cut chances. Late in the match, Thompson had a golden opportunity, but his shot was well saved, and Sporting Club Inkberrow managed the final minutes expertly, winning a series of free-kicks to stifle Lydney's efforts. 

The final whistle confirmed another defeat for Lydney Town, as they continue to search for a way out of their current slump.