LYME REGIS 3 ILMINSTER TOWN 1

LYME Regis were left with mixed emotions following their Challenge Cup semi-final triumph over Ilminster Town Reserves at Davey Fort.

An own goal and efforts from Julien Simier and Steve Batey saw the home side through but it came at a cost with skipper Adam Caddy suffering a serious knee injury which is likely to sideline him for at least four weeks.

Lyme boss Karl Diment said: “Following the defeat against Combe Reserves the previous weekend we started a bit shaky until Julien scored the opening goal on 20 minutes, which settled us down.

“Steve Batey then made it 2-0 on the hour with a great goal from the edge of the box before Ilminster pulled one back through Ian Masters.

“That gave them a huge lift and they would have got an equaliser had it not been for a superb one-on-save from Will Meech.

“In the end we managed to get a third through an own goal but unfortunately we also lost Adam late on to a knee injury, which was a huge blow, particularly ahead of Saturday’s semi-final in the Dorset Intermediate Cup at Alderholt.”

Lyme also have another final to look forward to in the Coronation Cup but it is glory in the county competition that they most desire after finishing runners-up last season.

Looking ahead to the clash with the Bournemouth League Division One outfit, Diment added: “Alderholt beat Beaminster 2-1 in a previous round and last season Lyme only beat them 1-0. Being away from home is going to be tough but hopefully we can do it and give ourselves another final to look forward to.”

Winsham will be Lyme’s opponents in the Challenge Cup final on March 29.