Rush strikes to give Lydney lift in their battle to avoid relegation

LYDNEY Town gave their Hellenic League Premier Division survival hopes a massive boost with a 2-1 win over Brimscombe and Thrupp on Tuesday night.

Tom Rush scored the winner - his first goal for the club - Lewis Thompson with their other goal, Jayden Stratford replying for Brimscombe.

The win leaves Lydney five poins clear of bottom side Wantage, who have two games left to Lydney’s one.

On Saturday, Lydney had lost 2-1 to Roman Glass St George, Dan Morgan scoring, while Wantage won 2-1 against Hereford Lads Club to close the gap to two points but Rush’s goal gives Lydney some breathing space as they face Brimscombe again in their final game on April 20.

They could have secured safety last night (Wednesday) as Wantage were in action at Roman Glass, and needed a win to keep their hopes alive.

Thornbury Town had a record crowd of 570 at the Mundys on Tuesday night as they faced Worcester City, who clinched the Premier Division title with a 1-0 win.

Richard Joyce’s Thornbury side look to be safe in the Premier Division as they are six points clear of bottom side Wantage with a better goal difference.

At the other end of the table, Cinderford Town’s play-off hopes were knocked by their 1-0 loss to Royal Wootton Bassett, and the Foresters are four points behind fifth-placed Slimbridge with two games in hand - and the fight for the final spot looks to be between the two.

They have also been expelled from the GFA Trophy for fielding an ineligible player in their semi-final win over Cheltenham Saracens, who will now face Mangotsfield United in the final.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Brimscombe beat Pershore Town 4-2, Jack Freeman (two), Harlie Price and Jonty Welch on target, while Jack Beardsell and Joe Westrip gave Longlevens a 2-2 draw with second-placed Corsham Town.

Tuffley Rovers beat play-off chasing Highworth Town 2-0 with goals from Kieran Alder and Jake Rhodes.

In Division One on Saturday, Cheltenham Saracens beat Kidlington Reserves 2-0 with goals from Jamie Goodwin and Paul Holmes.

A late goal from Dom Kent rescued a point for Shortwood in a 1-1 draw against Southam United, while Stonehouse Town lost 3-0 to FC Bristol and Tytherington Rocks went down 2-0 to SC Inkberrow.

On Tuesday night, Malmesbury Victoria were 4-0 winners over Newent Town.