Windy night in 'Dickens' country

Wednesday 11 January 2023, Lydd Town 2 Staplehurst Monarchs 4 - SCE Football League Cup, 3rd Round, Lindsey Field

Original match off due to rain but as had the night off and a mate was coming along, decided on the long

trip to Lydd, to complete this league.

Good communications via twitter told me the game was on, most of the journey down was in the dry, but as we approached Lydd and entered 'Dickens' country, the conditions did not look great, arrived to strong winds but luck was on our side and no rain fell till the trip home.

Visitors had the wind with them in the first half and used it to their advantage, in particular with their in-swinging corners and deserved to be two up after 35 minutes, did think they may need a third as Lydd would have the wind with them in the second half. The surprise was that after hardly having a touch for the first 40 minutes, Lydd went in at the break on level terms! Scoring in the 43rd and adding a second in injury time.

Think most present thought that with the wind advantage, Lydd would now press on in the second half and get the win - however within two minutes of the re-start, Staplehurst were back in front and that added with the fact that Lydd could not find a way to use the wind to help them, the second half saw the visitors keep control of both the ball and the game and the only surprise was it took till the 73rd minute for them to add a much deserved 4th goal.

Clubhouse was open and also a a great tea hunt with hot food on offer- very friendly welcome, much appreciated on such a windy night.