LYME REGIS 2

SIDMOUTH TOWN II 2

LYME Regis were pegged back by a late thunderbolt from Sidmouth Town Seconds to draw 2-2 at Davey Fort.

Lyme were 2-1 up with ten men after Callum Garrett’s sin bin but conceded an 87th-minute leveller when Corey Rogers’ sweet half-volley from 18 yards gave keeper Chris Higgs no chance.

Rob Fellingham’s men originally had to battle back from a freak goal after five minutes when Damien Armes’ cross near the halfway line flew past Higgs into the back of the net.

But the Seasiders responded well to going behind, only for Steve Batey to shoot wide when presented with an open goal after Ethan Matthews’ tenacious work to win possession.

READ MORE: Kentisbeare 3-0 Lyme Regis - report

Matthews was then guilty of his own miss, seeing his effort saved after a fine through ball from Mark Bailey.

However, Batey atoned for his miss with a crisp header from Fellingham’s corner for 1-1 at half-time.

Lyme came out in the second half and again utilised their dangerous deliveries from corners to take the lead.

Bailey was this time the provider and Ben Turner leapt high and mighty to glance the ball into the top corner.

Lyme tired in the final 15 minutes, though, and Garrett’s sin-bin for dissent piled pressure on the hosts.

With mounting Vikings attacks, the stage was set for Rogers to send a clean strike beyond Higgs for a share of the points.

Speaking post-match, Fellingham said: “It’s annoying and no blame at all on Callum.

“It’s the same as Kentisbeare when we went down to ten men and conceded twice, sometimes it’s either our own undoing or a bit of bad luck with the ref.

“It feels like we need a little bit of a rub of the green at the moment, but it was a really good performance.

“All the lads knew that, it was just gutting when you concede that late.”

Lyme now host Alphington at Davey Fort on Saturday (3pm), their opponents having won 18 of 20 games in the league.

However, Alphington have not played since early March and Fellingham senses an opportunity to catch them cold.

He said: “There’s definitely a little window of opportunity there and also being at our place, we always stand a chance, even against a good passing side such as them, with the size of our pitch.”

Turner and Matthews are unavailable but Brad Rowe could return.

Lyme: Higgs, R Fowler, G Knight, Beer, A Rowe, Fellingham (Rawlins 70), Garrett, Turner, Bailey (Mowbray 60), Batey (Clifton 75), Matthews.