AFTER a prolonged break over the Christmas period caused by the weather, Lyme Regis 1st team return to action this coming weekend with a tough home fixture against Crediton United 2nds (kick-off 2.15pm).

The Seasiders go into the New Year in third place in the Devon and Exeter Premier division, on the same number of points as second placed University of Exeter 2nds who have a game in hand.

Lyme should not be fooled by Crediton's seventh position in the table as they have only played eight games so far this season compared with the Seasiders' 12. With that number of games in hand, Crediton are considered to be championship candidates and look like a top-three side.

Lyme's 25 points come from eight victories and one draw, a creditable performance considering the difficulty they experienced in raising a full team early in the season due to injuries and unavailabilities. At their very best, they are capable of beating all comers, a fact recognised by manager Julien Simier in a recent matchday programme.

Following Saturday's home game, the Seasiders travel on January 14 to Kentisbeare - never an easy fixture. Six points from these two games could see Lyme challenging for a runners-up spot with leaders Alphington looking strong candidates for the title.

With so many calls from the first team, Lyme Regis Reserveshave struggled during the first half of the season and go into the New Year third from bottom in Division Three with only three victories from 13 games.

But new manager Wallace Blackmore, one of the club's long-term servants, will be hoping for better fortunes in 2023. On Saturday they travel to second placed Heavitree United where they will need to be in top form to return home with points.

A poor run of results in the latter part of last year saw Uplyme 1stskiss goodbye to 2022 in seventh place in Division Two. On Saturday they travel to Culm United, who are several places below them in a league and where three points are certainly achievable if The Swallows can find their early season form.

Uplyme Reserves play in Division Three on the Perry Street League where there are only seven teams. The Swallows second string currently occupy fifth position, having played only five games so far this season. On Saturday they are at home to Chard United A in third spot (kick-off 2pm).

Charmouth 1st team are sitting in mid-table in Perry Street Division One, having won promotion last season. On Saturday they are at home to Misterton Reserves who are in eighth position (kick-off 2pm).