LYME Regis 1st team slipped back into contention at the top of the Devon and Exeter Premier Division with a workmanlike 2-0 victory away to Sandford.

The Seasiders went into the game with a strong 15-man squad without Ben Turner, a key absentee who was running the Grizzly on Sunday in the excellent time of three hours 15 minutes for the record. Fellow Seasider Callum Larcombe ran it as well.

Lyme started the game really strong with some good passing football on Sandford's wide pitch. First big chance fell to Gary Knight from a knock-down from a corner. He struck it beautifully and the home keeper made a fine save to tip it over.

Josh Daines had a chance to bury it at the back post after a cross from Mark Bailey but opted to cut it back. He soon made amends when a glorious ball over the top from Will Meech was struck on the half-volley, dipping over the keeper from 20 yards out - a brilliant goal from young Daines, who grows in confidence with every game, to make it 1-0. Lyme kept the Mid Devon side at arms lengths for the rest of the half without giving away many chances.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with Lyme seeing plenty of the ball. Mike Knight and Callum Garrett in particular dominated the game from the middle of the park, imposing themselves and driving the team forward.

Robbie Fellingham hit the post from a free kick and five minutes later, on about 60 minutes, another free kick by the player-manager from the edge of the box brought a diving save from the Sandford keeper, but Alex Rowe followed up and buried it to make it. 2-0.

Will Meech in the Lyme goal had as easy afternoon. Cam Fowler, recovering from an ankle injury was brought on and looks to be back to his old reliable self and Steve Batey came on to cause havoc up top.

The Seasiders created plenty of chances to increase the scoreline; Batey in particular might well have scored with a header on the six-yard box.

Fellingham described his side's performance as "a really solid win", adding that it was great to get a clean sheet.

Squad: Will Meech; Alex Rowe, Gary Knight (captain), Dan Beer, Rob Fellingham; Callum Garrett, Michael Knight; Brad Rowe, Mark Bailey, Josh Daines and Ethan Matthews. Subs: Steve Bailey, Cam Fowler.

Lyme narrowed the gap with Colyton who have the same number of points but with a better goal average, although have a game in hand.

This coming Saturday the Seasiders are ar home to Crediton United 2nds, who sit in ninth place in the table but have played four less games than the Seasiders (kick-off 3pm). 

Lyme Regis Reserves were without a fixture on Saturday but this week travel to Exeter University 5ths