Both Lyme Regis FC sides struggled against younger and fitter opposition at the weekend. The Firsts travelled to University of Exeter 2nds, losing 4-1, whilst at home the Reserves ran out of steam against South Zeal whose oldest player was just 24.

First team player manager Robbie Fellingham admitted that the University were "superb on the day". He added: "Playing on their first team pitch we had no answer for their fitness and technical ability.

"When we beat them in the reverse fixture at home we were able to get amongst them and harry them - no such luck on this day."

One highlight of the game for Lyme was that Ethan Matthews, one of the Seasiders' most talented youngsters, score his first goal for the first team.

Fellingham commented: "It's been coming - and hopefully the first of many more."

Lyme Reserves did well to compete for 70 minutes against a very lively side from South Zeals but they ran out of steam, especially in midfield, in the last 20 to lose 3-0.

The margin of defeat could have been much bigger had it not been by a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Rob Harp who brought off a series of brilliant saves, including from one penalty, to deservedly win the Lyme man-of-the-match award.

Jack Durrant, who came through the Lyme youth set-up, is now back in a black and amber shirt and looked like he has lost none of his silky skills and when fit could play a big part in helping the Ressies to pull away from religation danger in Division Three.

One disappointing aspect of the game was that Lyme went a whole 90 minutes without really testing the visiting keeper.

The first team are without a fixture this weekend but the Reserves are at home again, this time against Exeter side Braveheart, who sit two places over Lyme in the Division Three table.