PIDDLETRENTHIDE SPARTANS 4 LYME REGIS 2

LYME boss Tim Edwards is keen for his men to find their touch in front of goal this weekend after missed opportunities cost them dear in the Dorset Senior Trophy last Saturday.

Taking part in the knockout competition for the first time, Lyme were made to pay for not putting away some great chances as they exited the trophy at the hands of Dorset Senior League side Piddletrenthide Spartans.

The Seasiders host Exmouth Amateurs Reserves this Saturday (3pm) and with the visitors one from bottom of Devon & Exeter League Division Three, Edwards is hoping to see the home team show a more clinical edge to their finishing.

“I wasn’t too disappointed with how we played against the Spartans considering they are in the Senior League, he said.

“We matched them for long periods of the game and had the lion’s share of possession.

“We also created more chances but the important thing was that we didn’t take them.

“I’d like to think we’ve got a decent chance of putting that right on Saturday, and it will be a good opportunity to get a little bit of confidence back by scoring a few goals.

“It’s not like we aren’t creating chances, and I think sooner or later we are going to get a decent result.”

Lyme trailed 1-0 at half-time against the Spartans but Dom Rowe’s header got them back on level terms a minute into the second period.

The Spartans regained the lead after the hour mark and, when Rowe went off with an ankle injury, the game seemed to go away from Lyme.

Keeper Chris Higgs, one of Lyme’s standout players so far this season, made errors for the hosts’ next two goals before Declan Ellis netted a consolation.

In the Dorset Intermediate Cup, Lyme’s reserves needed penalties to see off Ferndown Sports Reserves and Beam-inster lost 5-2 to Alderholt.

After a 2-1 defeat at Netherbury, Lyme Bantams host Luso-Chard (2.30pm) in Perry Street Division One this Saturday.