Jackson's late error proves so costly

A late own goal from Chris Jackson proved costly as Ardley lost 3-2 at Lydney in Saturday’s premier division contest.

The first half took half an hour to come to life when the visitors took the lead with their first real chance after Ade Talabi fed Carl Tappin who raced past two defenders to beat keeper Richard Thomas. But Ardley’s lead lasted just five minutes as a free-kick from the halfway line, which took a deflection on it’s way into the area, was headed home by Declan Morley-Lynne.

Tappin had the chance to restore Ardley’s lead but his shot was blocked and Ryan Markham’s follow up effort went wide. Just before the break Lewis Halford had a glorious chance to put Lydney ahead but he put his shot just the wrong side of the post.

After the restart Ardley proceeded to dominate the next half hour but, despite creating a host of chances, they were unable to turn possession into goals. As in the previous game at Brimscombe & Thrupp, they were again punished when substitute Dan Morgan’s cross was left by Morley-Lynne for the on-rushing Peter Macklin to smash it past keeper Kieran Beesley.

Six minutes later Ardley drew level from a corner kick with Markham ghosting in unmarked to score with a free header which looked to have sealed a point. The game swung from end-to-end but neither side could put away their chances.

However, with the game deep into stoppage-time, Morgan again slipped his marker on the left and crossed into the box only for the ball to be turned in by the unfortunate Jackson as he tried to clear the danger.