DAWLISH UNITED 0

LYME REGIS 1

CALLUM Garrett scored a late winner to give Lyme Regis a fully deserved 1-0 victory at Dawlish United in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division.

Lyme, now in third spot, had completely dominated in the battle of the Seasiders but were guilty of a catalogue of missed chances.

Most of their opportunities fell to Brad Rowe, who squandered a plethora of one-on-ones to leave Lyme with a headache as the match wore on.

Dawlish did have spells of possession but failed to seriously test Lyme, who had further chances at corners as Rob Fellingham twice found Steve Batey in the box, only for his headers to fly wide.

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

However, in the final minute, just as time looked to be running out, Lyme grabbed their winner.

Mark Bailey controlled a pass on the right flank, turned inside into the box and picked out Garrett who smashed an emphatic finish home from close-range to spark jubilant celebrations.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, Lyme boss Julien Simier expressed how valuable the victory is.

He said: “It’s a key three points. Very important for us because we psychologically needed that a bit after two undeserved heavy losses.

“We really needed to pick ourselves up a little bit. It’s good to finish the first half of the season the way we started it.

“I’m just proud of the lads because they did work so hard and they deserve to be where they are, trying to chase Alphington.”

Elaborating on the cold conditions, with Lyme’s match one of only a handful to escape postponement, Simier said: “It was touch and go when we got there.

“Parts of the pitch were still frozen and the left-hand paths where the stand is where a bit in the shade. That was frozen there.

“But, the ref had a good go at it, walked around and spent 20 minutes on it. He decided to get the game going.

“It was not the best conditions. Where it wasn’t frozen it was muddy and slippery, hard to stand on.

“It levelled the game very much into their hands but I’m glad we won, we had so many chances.”

Lyme are now in a three-week festive break but return to action on Saturday, January 7 at home to Crediton United Seconds (2.15pm).

Lyme: Higgs, Fellingham, G Knight, Beer, A Rowe, T Wellman, Garrett, Turner, Batey (Rawlins), B Rowe (Rendell), Bailey.