LYME REGIS 2

KENTISBEARE 2

LYME Regis goalkeeper Chris Higgs hung up his gloves, ending a remarkable 30-year career, after the 2-2 draw against Kentisbeare at Davey Fort.

Higgs’ final game in Lyme colours was made all the more special by a bumper crowd above 200, with boss Rob Fellingham handing him the captain’s armband.

Fellingham also afforded the popular keeper a guard of honour, substituting Higgs in the 89th minute to soak up adulation from the Seasiders’ faithful.

With the match itself almost a side note, Kentisbeare twice took the lead through Connor Pengelly and Aden Shilling goals.

Brad Rowe’s flicked finish was sandwiched between the strikes before a touch of controversy about the second equaliser in stoppage-time.

READ MORE: Lyme Regis 0-5 Alphington - report

Fellingham’s inswinging corner was not dealt with by the visiting defence and Cam Fowler forced the ball over the line in a scrappy finish.

However, the linesman flagged for a foul on the away keeper and Lyme thought they had been denied a draw, only for the referee to overrule the official and give the goal.

So perturbed was opposing manager Rob Buxton by the decision, he was given his marching orders after overzealous protests.

In the end, Lyme took a point in their final match of the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division season, securing seventh place in the division.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Fellingham paid tribute to Higgs.

He said: “The day was very much dedicated to him. We had a nice big crowd, a lot of which were there to see Higgsy in his final game.

“We subbed Higgsy so he could have a nice standing ovation to see him off and we did a little players’ guard of honour.

“He’s been an incredible keeper. Not just notorious with Lyme but with local football.

“I don’t know many people in the league throughout the years who don’t know who Higgsy is.

“He’s done over 30 years in goal and to keep going and keep playing to the standard he has, still being comfortably one of the best, if not the best, keepers in the Devon & Exeter League is testament to his character and commitment.

“He’ll be a huge loss, completely irreplaceable, but it was a brilliant day and a lovely way to send him off.”

Fellingham added: “It was a bit of a free hit for us, we didn’t have much to play for other than pride, so it had a nice positive end-of-season feel to it.

"It was a really well-earned point in the end.”

Lyme: Higgs, Beer, R Fowler, C Fowler, Fellingham, Bailey, Garrett, Rawlins, A Rowe, B Rowe, Turner. Subs: Meech, T Fowler, M Knight, Parsons.