Town Battle Back - Lydd Town vs. AC London

An AC London player prepares a free kick with the church in the back ground

I've been meaning to visit Lydd for a long time but wanted to wait for a weekend where there was absolutely zero chance of a postponement as the journey is a long one and there aren't many other clubs in the surrounding area. The fine weather of the opening weekend of the Kent Invicita season provided the ideal opportunity with Lydd hosting newcomers AC London. AC London were formed as a youth team but have risen through the leagues into senior football. They play at Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium which is by far one of the biggest capacity stadiums in non league. Lydd finished third in the table last season and I saw them win 5-1 at Rusthall towards the end of the previous campaign. Lydd have had a mixed pre season which included a decent draw with local Ryman League side Folkstone.

Clear blue skies for the start of the Kent Invicita season

The game has a very bitty start and a Lydd corner results in a weak header which goes harmlessly wide. The next Lydd half chance comes when the AC London defender is able to cut out a long ball forward just before the attacker can pounce. AC then give Lydd a scare when after the initial effort hits the post, the rebound is put into the net but the linesman's flag prevents the hosts going behind. This sparks Lydd into life and the AC London defence has to be alert to clear a shot off the line. AC London score their first goal in the league when the Lydd full back is robbed and the resulting cross is slotted in from close range. They come close to doubling their lead as the attacker is able to cut through the defence but the keeper is equal to his shot. Lydd then come perilously close to an equaliser when a corner is headed on to the bar. AC London score again from close range and it looks they will go in two goals up. However, just before half time the Lydd attacker is able to get himself some space and he lashes the ball into the bottom corner.

Lydd attack the clubhouse end in the first half

The next goal is crucial and both teams go on the attack to score it and both sides create a couple of half chances without troubling either keeper. The first real chance comes when a Lydd attack breaks down and AC are able to break and the shot goes just wide. The game has been fairly feisty throughout and this comes to a boil when an AC player receives a second yellow and the visitors are down to ten men. Lydd now sense their chance and when the winger is able to get to the byline, the first effort is blocked before the second effort is kept out by a brilliant save from the AC London keeper. From the resulting corner, the home side score the equaliser with a bullet header. Just as it looks like the newcomers will hold on for a very good point Lydd break their hearts in the final minutes. A ball forward is headed down into the path of the onrushing forward and he makes no mistake to seal the points.

Lydd push for the equaliser in the second half

As I mentioned earlier, it takes a little while to get to Lydd from London. The closest station is Folkestone Central and fast trains here depart from St Pancras and this portion of the journey takes just under an hour. Then from the bus station you can catch either the 100 or 101 (there is one of each every hour) and this section of the trip also takes around an hour. Right next to the bus stop is The George which had Sky and BT Sports and so is great for watching the early kick off or for a pre bus pint. A short walk away is The Dolphin which also had BT / Sky Sports as well as a couple of ales. The ground is a short walk from the centre of the village and the clubhouse was very welcoming and had the usual selection of drinks as well as the sports channels. The food hut which is apparently under new management does excellent burgers. 

Match action in front of the dugouts