AFTER two disappointing cup matches in which they were knocked out of the East Devon Senior and Dorset Senior Trophy, Lyme Regis returned to league action on Saturday but failed to recapture the form that saw them shoot up the Devon and Exeter Premier table to second place.

The Seasiders were without four key players for their home match against old adversaries Colyton on a pitch that survived the severe frost, causing the postponement of a number of local fixtures.

Colyton are looked upon as a bit of bogey side for Lyme but they have been in indifferent form of late, losing three games in succession before their visit to the Davey Fort where they completed the double over their Dorset opponents with a 2-1 win.

Prior to the two cup disasters, in which they conceded 13 goals, Lyme had put together a fine unbeaten run which opened up a chance of challenging Premier leaders Alphington. But it is very tight at the top and this defeat saw them plunge to sixth place while Colyton moved into third spot.

Two of the sides below them, Crediton United and Elmore, have several games in hand and Julien Simier's men may well find it difficult to stay in touch if they don't solve their injury problems and find the flowing football which saw them in second place.

Simier was pleased with his side's performance in the first half going into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Josh Rawlins, one of the Seasiders' most promising youngsters who was moved up front from his usual full-back position. Their lead owed much also to keeper Chris Higgs who polled off there brilliant saves to deny Colyton the equaliser.

Things didn't go so well in the second half and Colyton clinched the three points in the 80th minute to continue their dominance of this fixture.

Simier was philosophical about the defeat. He said afterwards: "I believe we can take a lot of positives from this game. The fact that I saw a lot of frustrated faces during the game because they knew they could do better. They are better than that everyday of the week but today was not meant to be, but they didn't give up."

But he will be looking for more commitment when the Seasiders travel tomorrow (Saturday) to Dawlish United who are third from bottom in the table. 

Lyme Reserves' away clash with Division Three leaders Hemyock last Saturday was called off because of the weather. Tomorrow they are home to local rivals Seaton Town (kick-off 2.15pm).