SIDMOUTH TOWN II 2

LYME REGIS 3

FRED Parsons scored a brace as Lyme Regis claimed a 3-2 win at near neighbours Sidmouth Town Seconds.

Victory moves Julien Simier’s men up to fifth in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division as the Seasiders look to make up for a topsy-turvy season.

Lyme went into the break at 1-1 as Sidmouth’s James Clarke netted a stunning overhead kick to put the Vikings in front before an own goal levelled matters.

Fred Parsons then continued his standout season with a superb finish at the back post, volleying home a fierce effort.

READ MORE: Lapford 2-1 Lyme Regis - match report

Parsons doubled Lyme’s advantage from a corner but Clarke then pulled a goal back for Sidmouth to set up a nervy finale.

Parsons and Danny Rendell had also been denied goals for offside in the second half but Simier’s side managed to close out the three points to move within eight points of fourth-placed Kentisbeare.

Simier said: “I can see why they were close to getting points from above teams.

“They were working really hard and in fairness the pitch wasn’t helpful for the first touch. It made it more difficult.

“Credit to them but on the other side we had a slow-ish first half where it took time for us to get back in our stride, 45 minutes at least.”

Lyme now travel to Axminster Town Seconds on Saturday (3pm).

Simier said: “When you play Axminster, you can play two different teams. It depends which team is going to turn up.

“As much as I love Axminster – I’ve got a few mates over there – they do tend to bring quite a lot of ringers.

“I went to watch them one week and they had three or four players from the first team coming in because they didn’t have a game.

“I don’t know what I’m going to get, that’s the thing with Axminster. If it’s the team they came with to us, then yes, I’m feeling confident. Everyone is excited and well up for it.”

Star striker Joe Bond is expected to return for the Seasiders.