LYDNEY 3 PENARTH 5

FOLLOWING a resounding win at home to Cardiff University that put them back into second place in North Division 2, Penarth travelled to Lydney knowing another victory would put them one step closer to a possible promotion.

Skipper Richard Baker was hoping to give himself a rest following two games in consecutive weeks on his way back from injury.

But was forced into starting another game with the continued absence of Rhys Evans, Richard Clarkson, Mark Robinson and with Penarth also missing Phil Lane and Phil Langham through injury and Sam Docherty away for the week.

Baker partnered Dave Kidby in attack with Andy Thomas and Tom Haran playing their first game at the heart of defence in what remained a very strong starting eleven.

Penarth once again deployed Chris Baker in an attacking position and this proved important early on as they exerted strong pressure at a high tempo.

After being hacked down on a couple of occasions, Baker broke free on 10 minutes and with his brother and Dave Kidby running their markers away from goal, was allowed a free passage into the Lydney D before rounding the keeper and passing into an empty net.

Lydney continued to clamp down on Penarth's attacking game and a scrappy period ensued with Chris Baker taking an elbow to the head and Penarth players making some big tackles.

Haran and Thomas were at full stretch keeping tabs on the Lydney forwards but after forcing a couple of short corners, the home team were soon level.

For the next few minutes, the game was contained in the middle of the park through good work from the Lydney midfield and their counterparts Jonty, Hebson, Baker and Williams.

Penarth hit back almost immediately through Chris Baker, the midfield man notching his second of the game with a finish from close range - not before beating a number of Lydney defenders.

A fairly immobile Richard Baker made way on 25 minutes for the return to first team action of James Kidby who joined his brother in attack. Soon after, James's hard work created an opening for the elder Kidby to extend the visitors' lead and Dave's smart finish into the top corner made the score 3-1.

The score remained the same well into the second half as both sides battled for possession and space all over the field. The Penarth defence of Stevens, Thomas, Haran and Williams had their hands full with the Lydney attack, while both Bakers, Kidbys, Simon Hebson and Mark Thomas found it increasingly difficult to get hold of the ball and press home any sustained pressure.

After numerous short corners, Lydney's classy forward found the far corner of the Penarth net with a slick reverse stick finish.

At 3-2, Penarth were under pressure but Mark Harris came to the rescue with smart saves from short corners.

That wasn't the end of it from the Lydney forward - probably Penarth's toughest opponent of the season so far - as he picked up the ball and made his way to goal before unleashing another reverse stick shot into the far corner giving Mark Harris no chance.

Penarth defenders were left to question the umpire's decision to allow play to continue following a dangerously lifted ball in the build-up to the goal, but the score was 3-3 and Penarth had once again let a lead slip.

In games earlier in the season, Penarth were not able to recover from such a blow and went on to lose, but not this time.

The Lydney goals seemed to inspire Penarth and Rob Williams found himself free on the left after outstripping his marker for pace.

A ball from Williams into the left channel found James Kidby on the left of the D, and his clever reverse pass found his brother diving into the far post at full stretch to touch the ball home and send Penarth back into the lead.

By now, Hebson had left the field through injury to be replaced by the Captain acting as a spare man in the midfield to close down space.

With seconds remaining, Chris Baker muscled his way through the Lydney defence to slot the ball home and crown a satisfying 5-3 win for Penarth.

Penarth remain in second place in the league and face a tough trip to Hawthorn High School on Saturday to face Whitchurch.

With four games remaining, the season is truly in Penarth's hands and they hope to welcome back some important players for the run-in.

The next home game is on Saturday, March 12, at 12.30pm in Barry, and your support will be most welcome.