WITH three games left to play, the most Lyme Regis 1sts can hope for is fifth place the Devon and Exeter Premier division. And considering their indifferent form in this troubled season, that would be seen as a satisfactory performance.

Lyme produced one of their better results on Saturday when they travelled to Crediton United 2nds for a 3-0 victory, their goals coming from Brad Rowe (2) and a 40-yard corker from youngster Josh Daines.

Veteran keeper Chris Higgs, giving up his gloves at the end of the current season, saved a penalty.

The win left the Seasiders in sixth place in the Premier division, five points behind old adversaries Colyton but with two games in hand over the Tanners.

So Lyme really have to win their three remaining games to be sure of fifth place and the real test will be tomorrow (Thursday) evening when the league champions-in-waiting Alphington will provide the Seasiders with the toughest of tests. The Exeter side have just one game to play and need one point to be certain of the titles.

Elmore 2nds, with six more games to play, are shooting up the league with second placed Kentisbeare and University of Exeter in third place not able to catch Alphington.

Lyme's other two games are away to Elmore on Wednesday, May 10 and then their final game at home to Kentisbeare on Saturday, May 13. So they conclude the season having to play three of the top four sides to finish fifth. Some ask.

Lyme Reserves, who are almost certain to be relegated to Division Four, make the long trip to South Zeal on Saturday to end a frustrating season.

In the close season Lyme will be looking for two new managers. Robbie Fellingham, who took over the first team when the club parted with Julien Simier in February, has stood down due to personal reasons, and Wallace Blackmore will also be relinquishing the reigns on the Reserves.