LYME REGIS 2 PERRY STREET 1

MATT Laing’s last-gasp winner saw Lyme Regis book a place in the final of the Coronation Cup.

Perry Street put up a tough fight at Davey Fort but it was the hosts that prevailed with a scrappy goal in the final minute of normal time to set up a Boxing Day clash with Crewkerne for the trophy.

Lyme boss Karl Diment said: “It was a close game. We dominated the first half but did not put anything away and went in at 0-0.

“The last thing we wanted was a repeat of what happened at Combe Reserves a couple of weeks ago when we failed to take our chances and ended up getting caught, so we warned the lads about that and they went out in the second half and finally got in front.

“Julien Simier was brought down on the hour and he picked himself up to slot away the penalty.

“I was hoping we would go on from there but for some reason we sat back instead and Perry Street went on to enjoy a good 20-minute spell in which Liam Riste equalised.

“The same player then went through again, only to shoot wide which was a lucky escape for us.

“We then missed a couple of good chances before the winner eventually arrived in the final minute when a goalmouth scramble ended with Matt firing home.

“At that point I was getting ready for extra-time so I was very relieved when the ball went in and a lot of credit has to go to Perry Street, who gave us a real good battle.

“We will now meet Crewkerne in the final and that will be another tough one. They beat Winsham in their semi-final and on the evidence of our league encounter with them earlier in the season it promises to be a really good game.”

Lyme return to Perry Street Premier Division action on Saturday with a home clash against South Petherton.

Diment added: “I was at Petherton for nine years so I know what to expect.

“They will come here with a very strong side and I am sure it will be a difficult game.

“We just need to start being a bit more clinical in front of goal.”