UNIVERSITY OF EXETER II 3

LYME REGIS 2

LYME Regis squandered a 2-0 lead as University of Exeter Seconds stormed back to win 3-2 in their Devon & Exeter League Premier Division clash.

With a strong crosswind ruining both sides’ creative intent, Lyme dealt with the conditions best as striker Joe Bond and forward Ben Vine both struck inside 25 minutes.

Ben Turner, Cody Bowditch and Bond all passed up further opportunities as Lyme enjoyed the better of play.

Looking to get themselves back in the game, the students turned to Lyme’s Achilles heel – set-plays.

Within 10 minutes of the second half beginning, Lyme were 3-2 down as the university outfit staged a momentous turnaround.

All the hosts’ goals came from headers as first George Warne, then Billy Gregory and Sam Ross beat Seasiders’ keeper Brett Garner.

Lyme piled on the pressure late on as Bond, Vine, Turner and Fred Parsons all wasted chances to equalise.

“We had enough chances to win two games,” Lyme boss Gerard Hitchcock said.

“It was our old nemesis – the set-play. They were all headed goals.

“But we started well and went 2-0 after 25 minutes. It was a wind-affected game, a crosswind and was just horrendously strong – not conducive with playing football.

“But we should’ve closed it out.”

Lyme: Garner, Fowler (Every 65), D Knight, Wellman, M Knight, Turner, Parsons, Fellingham, Bowditch (Rowe 65), Bond, Vine. Sub not used: Rocket