Goatacre's roller coaster league season slumped again on Saturday as they suffered a four- wicket defeat at the hands of Lydney.

Peter Turner won the toss, and despite the early loss of Steve Gee, Goatacre batted sensibly, increasing the score steadily and by the end of the 13th over they had reached 45.

Thireteen proved unlucky for new boy Steve Lines as in the next over a mix-up with Jif Wilkins saw him run out for just eight runs.

Soon afterwards Wilkins was caught attempting one too many big shots in his innings of 31, including six boundaries.

When Sam Parish was caught behind for one, Goatacre had slumped to 48-4, having lost three wickets for just three runs in the previous seven overs.

The loss of Peter Turner for 13, five overs later, brought veteran Kevin Iles to crease.

He and nephew Adam batted well together and put on a stand of 82 before Adam was caught for 40.

Kevin Iles (47) was out in the 47th over with the total on 154. Goatacre's innings ended at 166- 9.

Goatacre had a dream start with the ball. Following a maiden by Adam Iles in the opening over, captain Peter Turner struck with his second delivery, having Whitson smartly caught by Kevin Iles in the gully.

While Lydney's run rate was modest, the Goatacre bowlers failed to penetrate, and the Lydney batsmen were able to score comfortably.

Coupled with a number of misfields and several dropped catches, Goatacre's chances of a victory were becoming increasingly slim.

Change bowlers Rahn Heer (9-2-23-2) and Kevin Iles (15-3-33-0) were economical, but the support from the other bowlers did not materialise.

Lydney's Jon Kear was man of the match with his 84 not out.