Lydd Ladies made the short trip to Hawkinge yesterday and returned home with a well-earned 1-0 victory after a closely fought contest between two evenly matched sides.

The game started at a fast pace, with Lydd creating an opportunity inside the opening minute. The match soon settled into a competitive battle, particularly in midfield, with neither side willing to give an inch.

Hawkinge looked dangerous with balls played over the top, but Lydd’s defence remained disciplined and resolute throughout. Harris was also quick off her line on several occasions to snuff out any danger.

Lydd were playing some good football and moving the ball well, although clear-cut chances were proving difficult to come by. The hosts came closest towards the end of the first half, having two opportunities to take the lead, but both efforts went narrowly wide.

The teams went into the break level at 0-0.

Lydd made a few adjustments at half-time and began to take control of the game, creating more opportunities and putting the Hawkinge defence under increasing pressure.

However, around 20 minutes into the second half, Hawkinge came close to breaking the deadlock. A corner was met by Prior, who teed the ball up for herself before unleashing a spectacular effort over her shoulder. Harris produced an equally impressive save to keep the scores level.

Lydd finally found the breakthrough soon afterwards.

Burren chased a ball down the right flank, got the better of her full-back and delivered a dangerous cross into Conceicao. She turned the centre-back before firing an early shot which beat the goalkeeper and put Lydd 1-0 ahead.

The game remained firmly in the balance right through to the final whistle, with both sides creating further chances as tiredness began to set in.

But Lydd stood firm and saw the game out to secure another impressive victory and another clean sheet.

Thoughts from Andy Lane:

“Every player put a shift in today. Nobody left anything out there.

“Apart from a mad five minutes near the end of the first half, their concentration was excellent.

“The midfield had to battle hard to win the ball, while the wingers and forwards chased and harried everything to create chances.

“The defence was spot on again with another clean sheet. Good concentration from the keeper, who came off her line well and pulled off a fantastic save to keep the scores level.

“We now move onto next week when we travel to Herne Bay and look to keep this form going.”

#upthelydders
Lydd Town FC Ladies are kindly sponsored by Oscar Acoustics