WATCH out Redbrook and Coleford! A single point is all Lydbrook's Reserve team needs to make sure they continue in the NGL's First Division next season and they have to pick it up from one of the aforementioned teams.

The drop, says manager Wayne Lewis, is not an option.

"There's a knock-on effect for us. Our Third team plays in Division 2 so if we go down they also have to drop a division," he says.

Bottom of the table before this victory over Howle Hill, Lydbrook have been playing with increasing confidence of late and Lewis is positive they can haul themselves out of the drop zone.

"We had a two goal half-time lead and then dominated the second-half though, credit to Howle Hill, they finished with a cracking goal from 25 yards out," said Lewis.

He says the season has been far from doom and gloom.

"We have competed very well with good results against teams like Huntley and Mitcheldean. We have introduced a lot of young players to senior football and several have gone on to play for the First team.

"We have also formed an under 18s team this season which has meant that we have not always had everyone available. But in the last few weeks we have picked up our game and I'm confident we can avoid the drop," he says.

Among a long list of improving young players, Lewis has been impressed with the progress made by Alex Clements, Ryan Clarke Tom Biddle and Ryan Wilks.

"There are several others making names for themselves and they have all done well when they have had to step up to the First team. But it has meant we have not always played with consistency," he said.

"It may be that we can get out of bother without another point as Aylburton have dropped out of the division and as a result only one team may go down. But we can't rely on that so we will be going all out for another win, It could be interesting," said Lewis.

The comprehensive victory over Howle Hill was achieved with double strikes by Adam Ward and Tom Biddle with the fifth netted by James Turley.