HELLENIC LEAGUE

Trowbridge Town 3, Lydney Town 1

THE biggest crowd of the season watched Trowbridge beat rivals Lydney to take an 11 point lead at the top of the Division One West table.

The deadly strike trio of Matt Minnis, Booker Woodford and Dave Percival all netted to sent the majority of the 203 supporters home happy.

Ecstatic boss Paul Shanley believes the victory will send a message to Trowbridge's promotion rivals.

He said: "On Saturday we showed we can win against one of our main challengers. Lydney are a good team but I think we wanted it more.

"The pressure is on other teams to come here and try to take points off us now. This was the biggest game we have played so far and the lads responded to the challenge."

Shanley was impressed with the courage shown by new signing Adam Shackle, who was forced to leave the field in the first half after a collision with team-mate Aaron Salter.

The midfielder suffered a nasty cut to his head, but he refused to come off and eventually rejoined the battle with a bandaged forehead.

"Adam typified the spirit shown by all the lads," said Shanley. "He looked like he'd just been 12 rounds with Mike Tyson when he came off."

The first half finished goal-less, with Shackle making an important goal-line clearance for the hosts.

Minnis fired the Bees in front with a first-time shot low into the bottom corner two minutes after the restart.

Danny Clark equalised for Lydney before Woodford restored the lead with a spectacular overhead kick.

Percival capped a fine all-round performance when he broke the offside trap to slot home at the death.

Trowbridge visit Harrow Hill tomorrow in the League Cup. The coach leaves the Mash Tun at 11.45am and picks up at the fire station. Contact Gloria on (01225) 755097 to secure a seat.