LYME Regis 1st team's hopes of finishing in the top four of the Devon and Exeter Premier division are slowly slipping away following another defeat on Saturday.

The Seasiders travelled to Kentisbeare with a depleted squad, missing captain Gary Knight, Callum Garrett, Ethan Matthews, Michael Knight, Cam Fowler and Jack Lamb-Wilson from the side. 

Kentisbeare were a strong, physical and well drilled side, sitting in third place in the table and a Lyme victory was imperative too stay in touch with the leading clubs.

The game got off to a close start with both teams well matched for the first 15 minutes with Brad Rowe firing in to the side netting from a tight angle and the Seasiders coming close from a corner.

Rowe was then sin-binned by the ref for arguing with the linesman and during that ten-minute spell, with Lyme down to ten men, the Seasiders tried to sit in tight but unfortunately conceded two goals. The first was a scramble in the box that Lyme failed to clear on numerous attempts, the second a mix-up with goalkeeper Will Meech who was lobbed.

From there it was an uphill battle for the Seasiders, but trailing 2-0 down at half-time did not seem a fair reflection on the first half. 

The next goal was always going to be crucial. If Lyme could nick one it might have been game on. As it was, Kentisbeare got the all-important third when they nicked the ball high up the pitch, and a bobbly shot on the edge of the area squirmed its way in at the near post.

Lyme kept battling hard and didn't drop their heads, but in the end it wasn't enough.

This result leaves Lyme fifth in the, on the same points as fourth placed Colyton but with a game in hand on their East Devon opponents. The Seasiders have the chance to redeem themselves with a home return match this Saturday against Kentisbeare and three points could see them reclaim fourth spot. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Lyme Reserves' away match at South Zeal in Division Three was called off due to the adverse weather. On Saturday the Ressies are away to Hemyock who are in fifth place in Division Three.

*On Sunday the Seasiders are organising a table-top sale at the Davey Fort, starting at 10 am. A few tables are still vacant. For details call Francesca Evans on 07810 221420.