Cinderford Town delivered a dominant performance in the Forest of Dean derby, crushing Lydney Town 4-0 at The Causeway in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Captain Jack Watts led the charge with two goals, supported by strikes from Harry Leeson and Kian Davies. The Foresters showcased one of their most complete performances of the season, securing local bragging rights in emphatic fashion.
Following a disappointing defeat to Hereford Pegasus, Cinderford’s manager Stephen Cleal demanded a strong response. “We think we let ourselves down a little bit on Saturday with our desire,” Cleal admitted. “Today, I told the lads to be brave and strong, to want it more than them – and they delivered.”
READ MORE: Growing Debate Over the Creation of a ‘Greater Gloucester’ Unitary Authority
The home side started aggressively, with Watts opening the scoring early from a crisp half-volley after sustained pressure. Lydney responded physically, earning an early caution for Toby Bendall, but struggled to contain Cinderford’s intensity and fluid attacking play.
Leeson doubled the lead after hitting the post and calmly finishing the rebound, cementing Cinderford’s control. Just before halftime, Davies added a third, finishing confidently after a driving run from Blaine Waugh, capping a ruthless first-half display that exceeded even the manager’s expectations. “To be 3-0 up at half-time was more than we deserved but exactly what we needed,” said Cleal.
Though Lydney made substitutions and pushed for a fightback after the break, Cinderford maintained their composure. Chances fell to Ryan Hillier and Watts, who narrowly missed with a header, as the Foresters managed the game expertly.
Cleal noted, “The second half is all about managing the lead. We were fully in control.”
The emphatic win was sealed deep into stoppage time when substitute Tino Shumba was fouled in the box, allowing Watts to confidently convert the resulting penalty, completing his brace and sealing a memorable 4-0 victory.
Cleal emphasized the importance of the win for the club supporters who filled The Causeway. “This was their big game – they wanted a win and we gave it to them in style.”
With the season winding down, Cinderford now turns focus to building momentum for the future. “Our priority is building momentum ahead of next year. This is a massive football club, and we’re proud to represent it,” Cleal said.
Their next match sees them travel to Cribbs FC, who, like Lydney, sit in the relegation zone, making for another crucial encounter on Saturday.
Cinderford Town lineup: Jude Franks, Blaine Waugh, Sam Hunt, Charlie Caple, Nathan Dennis, Ben Watkins, Harry Leeson, Tom Chamberlain, Jack Watts (c), Ryan Hillier, Kian Davies. Subs: Ben Vine, Tino Shumba, Lewis Adams, Joe Keeping, Callum Tye.
Lydney Town lineup: Alex Causon, William Hill-Wilson, Ben Prictor, Liam Sheppard, Toby Bendall, James Conway, Zac Prichard, Jordi Sheen (c), Lewis Thompson, Ibrihim Olateju, Declan Morley-Lyne. Subs: Tom Baldwin, Arron Jenkins, Dave Jenkins, James Addis, Tyler Blount.