DAWLISH UNITED 5

LYME REGIS 3

LYME Regis are still in control of Devon & Exeter League Premier East – despite a 5-3 loss at Dawlish United.

The Seasiders were aided by rivals Feniton, who could only manage a 2-2 draw with Chard Town Reserves.

The development means Lyme can still go through to the knockout stages as group winners.

Lyme had begun brightly and took the lead on 30 minutes through Brad Rowe, finally netting after he, Joe Bond and Ben Vine had wasted chances.

Dawlish brought themselves level just before half-time when Oliver Rackley-Botten forced a corner home.

After the break, Toto Whittle converted a penalty after stand-in keeper Dan Rendall’s aerial foul, and Whittle netted again in fortuitous circumstances when a scuffed shot deceived Rendall for 3-1.

Lyme’s loud appeals for a handball were waved away and a booming clearance from Richard Gregory caused a misjudgement from Rendall, who was helpless to prevent 4-1.

Fred Parsons reduced the deficit with a neat finish but Whittle completed his hat-trick after latching onto a long ball.

Lyme stuck to their task and made it 5-3 when Kieran Daniels forced an own goal.
However, late pressure could not yield further goals as Dawlish closed out victory.