CORFE CASTLE 4

LYME REGIS 3

LYME Regis crashed out of the Dorset Senior Trophy second round with a rollercoaster 4-3 loss to Corfe Castle at Slades Farm.

Julien Simier’s men led twice but Corfe battled back on each occasion, overcoming the Seasiders with two late goals – a worrying habit this season for Lyme.

Rob Fellingham put Lyme ahead from the penalty spot but the hosts had their own spot-kick when a Ryan Cattano cross was handled.

Up stepped star forward Courtney Johnstone to fire home past Robin Harp to make it 1-1 at half-time.

Following a scrappy start to the second half, a flurry of goals changed the whole complexion of the tie as Castle edged into a 2-1 lead, Abraham Adesoji going through to beat Harp.

READ MORE: University of Exeter 3-1 Lyme Regis - match report

Back came Lyme with a quick double as centre-back Gary Knight headed home a long throw by Rikki Sargent.

Another set-piece did for Corfe as Harvey Brimicombe netted – but there was late drama to come.

With six minutes remaining, Cattano’s free-kick was flicked on by Johnstone to Josh Lee, who bagged his first Corfe goal at a crucial time.

And with Lyme chucking men forward to find a late winner, Corfe hit them on the break as Adesoji rounded Harp to score.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Simier said: “We changed the system to have a look at the balance.

“We seem to struggle in the last 15 minutes all the time. We’re struggling to put our finger on what it is.

“I wanted to have a look if it’s the system not working. The last 15 we dropped completely.”

Lyme return to Joma Devon & Exeter League Premier Division action with a trip to Kentisbeare on Saturday.

Simier added: “We know what they’re like, to run with the ball. They’re quite physical and fit.

“We’re going to be OK for 75 minutes, I’m sure, but it’s those last 15 that have me worried.”

Goalkeeper Chris Higgs and Knight are out but Jake Sargeant returns. Fred Parsons has re-joined from Bridport Reserves.

Lyme: Harp, G Knight, Turner, K Wellman, Garrett, Bailey, Fellingham, R Sargent, Kilcoyne, Rendell, Brimicombe.