LYME Regis will play on the 3G pitch at Axminster Leisure Centre to ensure Saturday’s clash with Okehampton Argyle Seconds goes ahead (2pm).

Seasiders’ boss Julien Simier is determined to play this weekend, with Lyme having gone four weeks without a match prior to kick-off.

With the contest being held on an artificial surface, it means only snow or ice could postpone the fixture while Lyme look to preserve their Davey Fort pitch during a busy January.

Ahead of resuming their Devon & Exeter League Premier Division season, Simier outlined his thinking behind the temporary relocation to Axminster.

He told the Bridport & Lyme Regis News: “I’ve booked the 3G to make sure we’re going to play.

READ MORE: University of Exeter Seconds 3-1 Lyme Regis - match report

“We’re doing a lot of work on the ground but it’s been raining the last two weeks consistently.

“It was 50/50 for the pitch to be ready for Saturday. We didn’t want to take any risk because I want the players to get back to it.

“We’ve got a few games, apart from next week at Beer, where we are home the rest of January.

“We know we’re going to be hit in January or February, it’s usually heavy with the rain in that time.

“So, we’re definitely playing this Saturday, which is good.”

Lyme have escaped any setbacks from the current wave of Covid-19 cases, while striker Joe Bond is nearing full fitness, along with keeper Chris Higgs.

Tyler Wellman is back for two weeks before his return to university and midfielder Fred Parsons is confirmed to have returned from a spell with Bridport Reserves.

Simier said: “He wanted to test the water somewhere else and he didn’t like it.

“He realised he’s a Seasider and wants to be back with us, which is massive for us.”