There really is no hiding from this one.

Lydd Town Reserves suffered a 20–0 defeat away to Lenham Wanderers Firsts in a performance that will undoubtedly leave the players, management and supporters hugely disappointed.

From the first whistle, Lydd struggled to find any sort of rhythm. The usual organisation, communication and determination were missing, and Lenham were allowed far too much freedom to dictate the game.

Despite the difficult afternoon ahead, there was an early moment of encouragement for the Lydders.

Alfie Wakefield managed to find the back of the net and Lydd briefly thought they had taken the lead. Unfortunately, the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was ruled out for offside. Had the goal stood, perhaps the game could have taken a different direction, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. With one of the managers, Stewart, unable to be pitch-side, the responsibility of managing the team fell to Brad, with some much-needed assistance from injured player Max Lindsey.

Brad certainly didn't hold back.

As the goals continued to go in, it became increasingly clear that something needed to change. Lydd were second best across the pitch and struggled to compete with the intensity and organisation of the opposition.

At half-time, Brad made his feelings absolutely clear.

There was no sugar-coating the situation. The performance simply wasn't good enough, and the players were told exactly what was expected of them. More effort, more communication, more responsibility and, above all, pride in pulling on the Lydd Town shirt.

Unfortunately, the second half didn't provide the response everyone had hoped for.

Lenham continued to take advantage of Lydd's mistakes, while the Lydders struggled to get themselves back into the contest. The scoreline continued to grow, turning what had already been a difficult afternoon into a very long one.

At 20–0, the final whistle eventually brought an end to what can only be described as a day to forget. Brad was understandably angry at full-time, and once again made it perfectly clear to the players that this level of performance cannot be accepted.

Nobody connected with Lydd Town Reserves will pretend this was anything other than a very poor afternoon.

However, football gives you another opportunity every week.

The important thing now is how this group responds.

A bad performance can happen. A heavy defeat can happen. What cannot happen is allowing one result to define the team or become the standard.

The players need to look at themselves, take responsibility, learn from what went wrong and come back with the attitude and commitment expected of anyone representing Lydd Town.

Training now becomes even more important.

The next match gives the squad an opportunity to show that today's performance was an exception rather than a reflection of what this team is capable of.

One thing is certain — Brad won't be accepting another performance like this without a reaction.

Time to dust ourselves down. Time to work. Time to respond.
Up The Lydders! ??