Lydd Town are in the unusual position this season of looking to bounce back from a defeat.

The Lydders suffered only their second loss of the campaign on Tuesday night, going down 2-1 at Rochester.

They remain top of Southern Counties East Division 1, three points clear of Faversham Strike Force.

Up next is a home game this Saturday (3pm) against pre-season title favourites Snodland at the Lindsey Field.

Mickey Doyle’s men have fared well against their promotion rivals so far and will be looking to put on a performance against a Town side who are just outside the play-offs in sixth.

“Snodland were one of the title favourites before the season started,” said boss Doyle.

“Their squad shows that, and their budget shows that, and they’re pushing hard.

“But we’ve beaten the other title favourites, Larkfield & New Hythe, on our home pitch this season and we must try and use that experience to come away with another win.

“Hopefully we can get a good crowd in, the more the merrier.

“We’re trying to get the community involved as best we can.”

Lydd beat AFC Whyteleafe 2-1 at home last Saturday, Kenny Pogue with an 88th-minute winner after Jack Price cancelled out the visitors’ early opener.

They’ve made a habit of scoring late goals this season - a useful tool in their armoury.

“I don’t know about Fergie time, it’s Lydd time now,” said Doyle.

“We’ve had a few late winners this season. Craig Calvert has scored a couple in 90+ minutes.

“It’s not the way I want to do it - the boys are taking years off my life leaving it so late - but it’s the sign of a good team when you keep going to the end.

"I know we’ve got goals in us, it’s just about taking our chances earlier.”

Doyle, meanwhile, expects Tyler Sterling to grow in influence as the season progresses.

Tipped for big things by Folkestone boss Neil Cugley last season, he finds himself playing three levels down since signing for the Lydders on dual-registration.

“Tyler wants minutes, he wants to enjoy his football and we’re more than happy to give that to him,” said Doyle.

“He’s a quality player and a decent lad.

“We’re pleased he’s in our dressing room and not someone else’s. He’ll be setting this league alight, I can assure you of that.”