LYME REGIS 3

ELMORE II 2

LYME Regis turned in a superb performance to end Elmore Seconds’ unbeaten run with a battling 3-2 victory at Davey Fort.

Julien Simier’s men are now in second place in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division, but had to earn their three points the hard way as Rhys Parsons put the Eagles into the lead.

However, by the 20-minute mark Lyme were ahead as Mark Bailey’s cross-come-shot zoomed into the top corner from around 30 yards out.

Fred Parsons then showed his enduring quality with a nerveless finish following a scything through ball from Ben Turner.

READ MORE: Clyst Valley 2-4 Lyme Regis - match report

Elmore had their chances to equalise before half-time but found Will Meech in excellent form.

The Eagles continued to ask questions of Lyme in the second half but it was the Seasiders who showed the greater clinical edge as Parsons swept home Brad Rowe’s pinpoint cross.

Although Lewis White pulled a near instant goal back, Lyme defended stoutly until the final whistle to spark jubilant scenes.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Simier said: “There are a few words to describe it – a big heart of a performance.

“We didn’t play our best football in the game but we stuck at it. When things don’t go your way sometimes you have to give a bit more of everything else, and we did.

“Offensively we tried our best and managed to score when we had the opportunities. Defensively we were solid, I was very impressed with the whole team.

“We were trying to work a lot on transitions and our defensive block. The spirit of the team was superb, it was great to see – starting with Brad up top who’s been giving us some great performances.

“If I had to pick a man of the match, he would be but it’s very tricky to put someone ahead of the whole team performance.”

Lyme now turn their attentions to a top-of-the-table clash at leaders Alphington Seconds on Saturday (3pm).

Simier said: “For us it’s a free hit, we’re going to go there with literally no fear.

“Whatever happens, happens. We’re not going to worry about anything. I think we can take them but it’s going to be difficult.”

Ben Turner (head), Chris Higgs (calf) and Gary Knight will be assessed but Cam Fowler misses out.

Lyme: Meech, Fellingham, Beer, R Fowler, A Rowe, Garrett, Turner (Lewis 70), F Parsons, Rawlings (Thomson 75), B Rowe, Bailey.