Luke Burdon scored both goals, including an 87th-minute winner, as Lydd beat play-off rivals Rochester 2-1 in Southern Counties East Division 1 on Saturday.

But an equally significant contribution from Burdon came earlier when his challenge on the Rochester keeper triggered a melee and sparked the Lydders into action after back-to-back defeats.

“The first 20 minutes were a bit uncomfortable for us,” said manager Mickey Doyle, whose side moved back above United into third place.

“We didn’t really get started but then Luke has put a challenge in on the keeper to rough him up a bit and it seemed to kickstart the lads.

“Something like that can be as important as a goal.

“There was a little bit of handbags from everyone and Burdon got a booking but sometimes you have to do something like that.

“We’d been playing within ourselves and five minutes after that happened, we went in front.”

Burdon latched on to a clearance and smashed home the opener as Lydd led on 24 minutes.

United levelled through Nickal-David Luzolo 18 minutes from time.

But Burdon scored the winner after new signing Troy Howard caused panic in the Rochester defence - his seventh goal since joining from Larkfield & New Hythe.

Lydd visit second-bottom SC Thamesmead this Saturday, looking to build on their success against Rochester.

They have a five-point cushion over sides outside the play-offs but Doyle said: “We can’t rest on our laurels.

“All the sides have got to play each other.

“It’s about who’s the most consistent and who can grind results out. If you don’t win, you have to make sure you don’t lose. It’s about going there and getting the job done.

“At this stage of the season, that’s all it’s about. It’s not about tactics, or pleasing everyone, it’s about getting three points on the board and going home and getting ready for the following week.”