Lydd Town – 1 FC Elmstead – 1
It was always going to be a tough game against FC Elmstead, the south London team who have enjoyed a recent run of improved results and came to Lydd full of confidence.
From the off, the visitors carried the game to Lydd who were on the back foot till midway through the first half when they started to rally and enjoyed a few break-away chances. Forwards Richard Atkins and new signing Luke Burdon look to be forming a good partnership and were unlucky not to make more of a few half chances.
On the stroke of half-time Elmstead landed a killer blow when a good cross was met by striker Nile Waite who gave Lydd keeper Connor Collins little chance with a powerful header from six yards out.
Half-time team talks seem to work for Lydd Town and they were moving the ball around with much more fluency in the second half, with Elmstead keeper Ryan McCourt having a much busier time than his first half. A stinging shot from Tyler Sterling and a cross-shot from Burdon were dealt with, then Ryan Philpott saw his shot tipped over and Richard Atkins volleyed over from the corner.
Once again, Lydd stretched it to the wire before finding the equalizer in the 85th minute with a header on the rebound from debutant Luke Burdon. After that, it was end-to-end stuff but neither side managed to snatch a winner.
Lydd Town manager Mickey Doyle said: “We didn’t move the ball well in the first half, gave them too much possession, and just switched off for their goal. The second half was better, we played more direct football, were more aggressive, and won the ball back faster. 1-1 was a fair result and we deserved our goal.”
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .