ANY fears that the loss of a string of senior players would put the skids under football in Lydbrook have been well and truly laid to rest. Officials say the Wyesiders, among the most famous of Forest football clubs, are planning for a bright future.

Though the Reserves lost this close encounter to table-toppers Sedbury United, they remain in a strong position among the top five Division One clubs.

Saturday's success was Sedbury's tenth league win of the season. They looked a sharp and focussed team, deserving their win after making a positive start during which they scored two first-half goals through James Brook. Victory was sealed when Nick Hanson scored early in the second-half. Lydbrook's confidence grew as the game progressed and they continued to work hard. They had the misfortune to miss a penalty but pulled back a goal through Ryan Lambert.

It has been a tough season for Lydbrook. Following the departure of a number of senior players the emphasis has been on rebuilding.

Secretary Wayne Lewis explained: "The loss of the players meant that most of the reserve team had to step up to play first team football. It is a credit to them and those who stayed loyal to the club that the first team has been unbeaten since Christmas as we strive to keep our position in Northern Senior League Division One."

Lewis said the Reserve team now consisted of long serving players such as David Clarke and Julian Bevan and promising youngsters such as Ryan Clarke, Tom Skinner and Adam Lambert.

He added: "Two 16 year-olds, Nathan Pollock and Ryan Lambert, have featured prominently in recent weeks and we are looking to add further players from our youth set up."

Lewis said the club remained determined to climb back up the football ladder. An under 18 team is planned for next season while during the summer officials are organising a Masters tournament for players over 35.