LYDNEY Town manager Neil Hook is a cautious man. Though his team remains unbeaten in league matches this season he refuses to accept they are promotion contenders.

But there is a proviso.

Should Town survive the next three weeks intact then he will be reconsidering his stance.

"Because of cup runs we are being forced to play six league games in 21 days. So far we have been lucky and avoided injuries but if we get through the next three weeks and remain unbeaten we can then consider a top three finish," he said.

Throughout this season's campaign, Hook has selected from a base of 15 players.

He explained: "By this time last season I had been forced to play between 25 and 30 different players. We will be fortunate if we avoid injuries but we have a stronger squad with several players in the Reserve team and in the under 18s who can play at this level."

Monday's holiday fixture at the Recreation Ground proved a tough test for Town.

"Saracens came to win and for the first 25 minutes they played us off the park. We improved as the game went on and I thought we shaded the second half," said Hook.

He named experienced goalkeeper Mike Reddan as his man-of-the-match and also praised James Morse who pulled off some superb tackles.

Ten minutes in and against the run of play, centre-half Sam Elliott had given Lydney the lead with a headed goal. Saracens drew level with a fine goal described by Hook as "a 25 yard screamer – I doubt Mike Reddan even saw it."

As Lydney improved so they created a few opportunities and Matt Timmins had a scoring chance cleared off the line.

Hook will be hoping those opportunities are snaffled up in the next three weeks.