CLYST VALLEY 2

LYME REGIS 4

LYME Regis moved into second place in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division courtesy of an impressive 4-2 win at Clyst Valley.

On a blustery day, the wind swept round the open Winslade Park and Clyst tried to use the conditions to their advantage, pinging long balls behind Lyme’s full-backs.

However, once Lyme came to terms with the conditions, the Seasiders scored the opening goal on the half hour mark when Mark Bailey’s free-kick was tapped home by Ben Turner.

Clyst hit back on the counter when a Lyme corner was headed away and another searching long ball caused problems for Callum Garrett, who was adjudged to have conceded a foul in the box.

READ MORE: Lyme Regis 3-2 University of Exeter II - match report

Up stepped Jordan Wakefield to slot past Will Meech for 1-1 at the break.

Lyme managed to impose their passing game in the second half and a wonderful move involving sub Josh Rawlings and Brad Rowe culminated in a simple finish for Bailey at the back post.

Lyme added a third when Turner played a one-two with Bailey to cut Clyst’s defence open before slotting home.

Clyst then conceded what they felt was a soft penalty, allowing Rowe to claim a fourth for the Seasiders.

Clyst did pull a goal back through sub Oscar Wills but the hosts were powerless to prevent Lyme extending their unbeaten run to five matches.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News post-match, Seasiders’ manager Julien Simier said: “We’re slowly climbing one step at a time.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the spirit of the team. We don’t let anything put us down.”

Lyme now go into Saturday’s home game against Elmore Seconds – the only unbeaten side remaining in the division.

“Our next four weeks will be the biggest test for us,” Simier said.

“This week we’re receiving Elmore and it’s going to be a very tough game. We know how good they are, how well they play and they’re unbeaten – that’s not for no reason.

“They’re very similar to what we try to do. They play on the deck, between the lines and have got a lot of pace on the sides.”

Simier faces a selection headache in goal with Meech excelling while Chris Higgs has been out.

Gary Knight (calf) and Cam Fowler are out but Fred Parsons returns. Rob Fellingham is 50-50 with his partner expecting.