LYME Regis manager Julien Simier believes the enforced 28-day break between games has helped the Seasiders mentally.

Weather permitting, Simier’s charges go into a testing trip to Kentisbeare on Saturday (2.15pm) looking to build on a 1-0 win at Dawlish last time out, plus their standing of third place in the table.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Simier told of how his squad is in a good place after the Christmas lay-off and a postponed game with Crediton Seconds.

He said: “Emotionally and psychologically it’s done a hell of a good thing for the team.

READ MORE: Dawlish United 0-1 Lyme Regis - match report

“We needed that as a club. I’ve seen the spirit of the players, they’ve got this appetite back.

“Physically, no-one is likely to be 100 per cent when they haven’t played a match for at least four weeks.

“It’s that roast dinner, stuffing, potatoes, cheese and drink that doesn’t help either!

“Match fitness I think we will struggle a little and the intensity of our game is going to drop a little bit naturally.

“We’re going to do our best but I’m really happy to see the psychological side of the players being (lifted).”

Ben Turner and Brad Rowe (sickness) are doubts and Tyler Wellman plays his last game before returning to university.

Fred Parsons will play at Bridport for the remainder of the season, while Lyme continue to nurse star striker Joe Bond (groin) back to full fitness.