LYME Regis chairman Howard Larcombe insists the Seasiders are reaping the rewards of their strong youth set-up, as they search for promotion in Devon & Exeter Division Three this term.

The Davey Fort outfit go into the new year three points off the top spot with a game in hand on leaders Exmouth Town Seconds, and have fielded a number of youngsters from their under-16s' squad which flourished last season, throughout the campaign.

“We have blooded four of the under-16s team from last year who were an exceptional crew,” he said.

“Four of them have gone straight in the first team, they are not playing every week but they are in the squad.

“They are being very loyal to the club that has brought them through, one or two of them have had approaches from other clubs but they stayed loyal and it’s to their credit.

“We are starting at under-6s now so we have a good production line coming into force and we are bearing fruit, it’s an old cliché but it is working.

“The squad is strong and the reserves are stepping up when they need to, so all things are good.”

Larcombe insisted the whole squad have propelled them to where they currently stand in the league, but has been impressed by striker Joe Bond, who has been deadly in front of goal since his return. He added: “It’s really an all-round effort.

“Joe Bond is scoring the goals up front, he was out for the whole of the summer. He had no pre-season with an injury, but since he has come back into the squad he has looked really sharp and is a real threat to any team with his pace.”

And while Lyme are still unsure where they need to finish in the division to gain promotion, the chairman insists Tim Edwards’ troops are more than capable of a top-three finish.