LYME Regis have a worsened selection nightmare ahead of a daunting trip to Lapford on Saturday (3pm).

Julien Simier’s Seasiders have been beset by injuries and Covid-19 absences, leading to the postponement of their league clash with Dawlish last Saturday.

With a number of key players out including star striker Joe Bond and defender Cam Vere, two more have been added to the list.

Brad Rowe is unavailable and another unnamed player has tested positive for Covid-19.

To make matters worse, Lyme have no returning players for the trip to last season’s Premier Division champions.

Simier told the Bridport News: “There’s going to be a lot of teams competing against each other this year but I’d still put Lapford ahead of everybody.

“We’re going there with no expectation. If you don’t have a full squad from the start you might struggle to catch up.

“We don’t have the best start because of an injury-hit squad which is a shame, but that’s the way it is.

READ MORE: Cup final torment for Lyme Regis

“I’ve lost another two (players). It’s really bad. One is through unavailability because of work, but we knew that.

“The other is because he went to a party, came back and tested positive for Covid. He’s isolating for 10 days so we can’t have him.

“It’s a shame for the team because it hits the squad even further. You have to take it on the chin.”

Callum Garrett (knee) is rated as 50/50 for the clash.