LYME Regis claimed a morale-boosting 2-2 draw at Upottery as the Seasiders continue to battle on in trying circumstances.

Interim boss Chris Higgs has been beset by a number of availability and injury problems, leading to the temporary return of previously retired Alex Rowe.

Kingsley Wellman also turned out, while young striker Matty Loader-Mouland, dual-registered with Bridport, was another key addition.

Owen McCreadie-Taylor poked Upottery in front but Loader-Mouland proved his worth immediately with the equalising goal against the Otters.

READ MORE: Elmore Seconds 0-3 Lyme Regis - report

Louis Grant headed home for 2-1 but Lyme, who were dominant in the first half, got their just rewards in the 88th-minute when Wellman turned home following pinball in the area.

Lyme exhibited an improved passing game on a large pitch which seemed to suit the Seasiders.

Higgs said: "It was a well-deserved draw, we started pretty well with a decent tempo.

"We've started to play a bit of football, it was a lovely pitch up there and we had five or six chances in the first half. It was unlucky we weren't ahead by more.

"Kingsley did very well and Alex was only back because we were short."

Their performance came just 48 hours after a 4-0 loss at Alphington, in which goals for Jack Furzer, Tom Bray, Liam Saunders and Tre Davey gave the leaders all three points.

Lyme have two games in three days this weekend, travelling to University of Exeter Seconds on Saturday (3pm) before hosting Sidmouth Seconds on Monday (2pm).