LYME Regis 1sts reclaimed second spot in the Devon and Exeter League Premier division with a workmanlike 3-1 victory over Sandford.

The Seasiders moved ahead of near rivals Colyton and are now eight points beind leaders Alphington, who have an eight-point lead, but Lyme have a game in hand.

Lyme started strongly and took the lead after a brilliant move saw impressive full-back Josh Rawlings beat two defenders before providing a perfect through ball for in-form striker Brad Rowe to slot home.

Sandford weathered the storm and were unlucky not to have equalised in the 19th minute with Lyme's Robbie Fellingham saving the day with a goal-line clearance.

Lyme regained the upper hand and went in at half-time with a 2-0 lead, the second goal also coming from Rowe who was left with a tap-in after some good work down the left flank from Sam Pollard-Jones.

Lyme went close soon after the break when Robbie Fellingham headed over the bar from a Steve Batey long throw-in and two minutes later a Batey header put Lyme 3-0 up.

The Seasiders tired in the second half but still tested the visitors' defence. Rowe missed his hat-rick in the 75th minute when he blazed the ball over the bar from close range after good work from substitute Fred Thomson.

Lyme defended well all game but a lapse in concentration in the 77th minute gifted the visitors a goal to complete the 3-1 scoreline. Sandford also had another late chance when they hit the bar with five minutes remaining.

There were a number of candidates for man-of-the-match with young full-back Josh Rawlins, who always looks dangerous when he goes forward, and centre-back Dan Beer, both in contention. In the final analysis the accolade has to go to Brad Rowe for his two goals and another top drawer performance leading the Lyme attack.

It was also good to see Mike Knight, who came on as a sub, back in action for Lyme, an experienced player capable of filling any gap on the pitch.

 Lyme Regis Reserves travelled to Willand to meet Bravehearts in Division Three, starting with only ten men. They were trailing 5-0 at the break but with full eleven players on the park - one player arrived late - they did much better in the second half, losing 6-1.

Their goal came from the penalty spot, confidently slotted home by Will Meech, who usually plays in goal and is getting a reputation as a bit of an all-rounder.