LEAGUE leaders Lydney A are on a learning curve, says manager Stuart Liddington. Dropping a couple of points to near neighbours and close rivals Whitecroft did them no harm at all.

Liddington's youthful charges lost out to a more physical and streetwise Whitecroft outfit.

The village side are hot on the heels of Lydney and could still have a major influence on the outcome of the league.

Liddington, however, says his team consists mainly of young players fresh out of junior football.

"Potentially, there are a number of first teamers in the side. When they are allowed to play they are very good and constructive. Saturday's match was a little more like an old-fashioned local game and there's nothing wrong with that. It's a learning curve," he said.

Liddington says the team has won 11 and lost only four games this season and every defeat has been by just one goal.

"Throughout the club we have a lot of young players and our hope is that they will eventually press for places in the senior team," he said.

Whitecroft, he said, deserved their narrow victory in a closely fought and interesting game. Their scorers were captain Dean Lancaster and Stuart Savings. Lydney's goal was scored by Ricky Burcher.