OKEHAMPTON ARGYLE II 0

LYME REGIS 2

LYME Regis battled through warm conditions at Okehampton Argyle Seconds to record a 2-0 victory in their Devon & Exeter League Premier Division clash.

Three points maintain the Seasiders’ push for fourth place, which is the highest placing available to them this season – barring a large goal swing against Beer Albion.

With the ambient temperature close to the 20 celsius mark, this was an energy-sapping encounter for both teams.

Lyme, in the absence of boss Julien Simier, were led by Kevin Turner – a former Axminster, Ilminster and Lyme Regis forward.

READ MORE: Axminster Town Reserves 0-2 Lyme Regis - match report

But the Seasiders’ only chances of note in the first half came via Joe Bond, Rikki Sargent and Dan Rendell, the latter’s fizzing drive forcing a good save from the Argyle keeper.

At the other end, Chris Higgs saved a clean through chance to ensure the scores remained goalless at the break.

Okehampton were plagued by injuries and knocks in the second half and soon ran out of substitutes, forcing them down to 10 men.

And the advantage in numbers aided Lyme early in the second half when Bond found the top corner from inside the box after patient build-up play for 1-0.

The goal energised the Seasiders, who suddenly looked like scoring at every opportunity.

Ironically, it was Josh Daines, a substitute of their own, who pounced on a loose ball inside the area to seal victory.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Turner was pleased to have maintained the momentum set by Simier.

After the Seasiders’ eighth straight win, he said: “We caused them a lot of problems but we were snatching at chances.

“I said to them at half-time they needed to be patient. They came out second half, started really well and got the goal that we needed. That settled us down.

“Unfortunately for them, they went down to 10 men but they battled really hard.

“We scored the second goal just to kill it off. I was really pleased. We played some good football for periods.

“That’s eight games now – we’re going through a really good period.”

Lyme were due to play rivals Beer last night, and will then turn their attentions to Elmore Seconds on Saturday (3pm).

And Turner is relishing the chance for Lyme to play on a plush Elmore surface.

He said: “We’ve pretty much got a full squad and we’re expecting a really difficult game. Although we beat them at home, it was 4-3, they played some good football.

“We’re anticipating a tough game because their pitch is a lot bigger and possibly one of the best pitches around, surface-wise.

“But if we can get it down and play, we’re looking forward to it.”

Gary Knight, Kingsley Wellman and Fred Parsons return for Lyme.