"YOU won't see a better opening goal or a better game at the Davey Fort this season". That was the view of one spectator after Lyme Regis clinched a crucial point in a 3-3 draw at home to Devon and Exeter Premier leaders Lapford.

After a difficult start to the season, caused by COVID-postponements and injuries, this was the first signs of the Lyme Regis of old, a great fighting spirit and playing for each other, after a couple indifferent displays.

No one was more pleased than manager Julien Simier who was delighted with the attitude of all his squad. "We are starting to get our spirit back and enjoy our football," he said after the game. "It was great to see."

This was the second time the Seasiders had played Lapford this season, losing 3-1 at the North Devon side, the same margin as Lyme lost to them in the Premier play-offs last season. On both these occasions, Lyme had given a good account of themselves but on Saturday they matched them physically and the point will do wonders for their confidence.

Losing two points saw Lapford drop into second place with Beer Albion taking over the top spot after a 2-0 win at Ottery St Mary.

The Seasiders could not have got off to a better start when the experienced Mark Bailey was brought back into the team and opened the scoring when he curled in a glorious strike from 30 yards. It was typical Bailey.

In a very even first half, with play from box-to-box, Lapford got back on terms and that's how it stayed until the interval.

After the break it was Bailey who provided the assist which left Harvey Brimicombe with an easy tap-in to give Lyme a 2-1 lead. Lyme then conceded a soft penalty, which levelled the scores again, and Lapford, always dangerous going forward, got a third 15 minutes from time.

Bailey crowned a great performance as Lyme pressed for the equaliser with a perfect cross to the far post which was met by Fred Parsons towering above the visitors' defence to head home. It demonstrated what an influential player Parsons is for the Seasiders.

Simier was reluctant to pick out a man-of-the-match with the whole squad performing well.

On Saturday Lyme travel to Dawlish United and will be anxious to do the double over the South Devon side, having beat them 2-0 at home earlier in the season.