REDBROOK Rovers went top in the North Gloucestershire One title race with a thrilling 4–3 victory over third-placed Lydbrook 2nds, in a game packed with quality, resilience, and late drama.

Despite Rovers starting well and creating the better chances, it was Lydbrook who struck first with a stunning 25-yard free kick against the run of play.

Redbrook responded well though, and were soon level with Scott Windley continuing his excellent form, rising to power home another header and make it 1–1 at the break.

The second half saw Rockfield step up a level, as dominating possession and creating chance after chance, they were repeatedly denied by an inspired Lydbrook goalkeeper, who kept the visitors in the game with a string of excellent saves.

And against the run of play once again, Lydbrook hit Redbrook on the counter to regain the lead with a well-worked finish.

But Rovers refused to let their heads drop and were rewarded for their persistence when Joe Reeves reacted quickest to a rebound, forcing home the equaliser for 2-2 after yet another save.

With momentum building, the game looked destined for a draw, until Lydbrook struck again on 77 minutes with a superb solo effort to make it 2-3.

But Redbrook weren’t done, and continuing to press and pile on the pressure with waves of attacks and corners, the equaliser came when Gareth Clarke-Williams bundled the ball home from close range.

Sensing the opportunity, Rovers now pushed for the winner, and it came in style, Joe Stephens producing a composed finish to finally put Redbrook ahead for the first time in the match to complete a deserved comeback.

It was a massive three points in the context of the season, with the hosts’ relentless attacking and work rate proving the difference.

Elsewhere, Chepstow Town 1sts shared a 0-0 Ardal South East derby draw with high-flying hosts Caldicot Town.

The Jockeys 2nds also played their 3rds in the semi-final of the East Gwent Brian Reed Cup, with the former running out 3-1 winners, Iestyn Davies (6 minutes), Bailey Hobbs (penalty, 51) and Alfie Owen (53) their marksmen, and Theo White (61) with the consolation before teammate Tom Collins missed a penalty.

And the 2nds will play Undy 3rds in the final after they beat Chepstow neighbours Thornwell R&W 5-4 in a thriller.

Thornwell trailed 3-2 at half-time, with Logan Jones (19) and Sam Schroepfer (35) their scorers, before hitting back to lead 4-3 with two goals in five minutes from Jehroame Edwards (58) and Jones with his second (63).

But Undy levelled with 20 minutes to play, and then fired a last-gasp winner four minutes into stoppage time.

There were also goals galore at Llanarth, as Gwent Central 1 high-flyers Glascoed ran out 7-2 winners at home to Mardy 2nds, Gary Phillips firing a hat-trick, Shane Davies two, and Josh Thomas and Alfie Gingell one apiece.

Usk 2nds were stung 3-2 by GC2 visitors Clydach Wasps 3rds though, as veteran former Mardy hotshot Mark Hughes scored a hat-trick, with Alex Burkitt and Jim Robinson bagging the consolations.

But Tintern Abbey won by the same score at home to Caldicot Castle in East Gwent 2, John Searle, John Hitchens and Harry Francis on target with all the goals scored in the first half.