ALTHOUGH they were beaten 1-0 the week before, but having enjoyed most of the play, Lyme Regis Reserves travelled to Exmouth Rovers on Saturday confident that they could beat the Devon and Exeter Division One East leaders in the return fixture.

But yet again, lady luck deserted them with Exmouth taking the lead after just two minutes with a penalty decision that the Lyme management team of Nick Tregale and Darren Stewart, thought was harsh.

Only seconds before one of the home players flattened Brin Seward, the ref had his whistle to his mouth but when he saw the ball break for Rovers he changed his mind and Robbie Fowler was adjudged to have fouled in the box.

The Ressies were playing attractive football and had Rovers on the back foot but a number of decisions didn't go their way and in the 43rd minute a poorly cleared ball was knocked back in and an unmarked player sneaked in to make it 2-0.

In the second half Lyme were well on top, but minutes after using both subs, keeper Rob Harp injured his groin and had to go up front to be replaced by Robbie Fowler who did well between the sticks.

Minutes later Steve Batey was fouled and when hitting the ground his shoulder popped out so he had to go off. With nine fit players and Harp up front, the Seasiders played Exmouth off the park and created chances but just couldn't get the ball in the net.

After the game the Exmouth manager commented that Lyme were the best footballing side they have played who had really pushed them.

Joint manager Nice Tregale commented after the game: "I must have run over a black cat or something, we are just not getting any luck and the referee gave us nothing. We played them off the park with some lovely football and the lads gave their all, the spirit in the team is great and it won't be long before the results start going our way."

Exmouth Rovers retain their top spot in Division One East with 16 points from six games. Lyme Reserves find themselves down in tenth place with just three points from four games.

Tomorrow (Saturday) they are at home to Otterton (kick-off 3 pm), who are fourth in the table, having taken ten points from six games.