LYME REGIS 3

OKEHAMPTON ARGYLE II 2

LYME Regis jumped into fifth in the Joma Devon & Exeter League Premier Division with a 3-2 victory over Okehampton Argyle Seconds at Davey Fort.

The Seasiders had star striker Joe Bond to thank for their victory, his goal eight minutes from time handing the hosts all three points.

Okehampton had twice pulled level and were first forced to do so when Bond’s opening goal of the game put the Seasiders 1-0 up.

Argyle equalised through an own goal but Ben Turner ensured Lyme retook the lead after the break with a powerful header.

That was until Alex Rowe was penalised for a foul in the box – Lyme feeling the call was dubious – allowing Dominic Harnell to slot past home keeper Chris Higgs.

The stage was then set for Bond to pop up with his 231st goal in Lyme colours, heading home from Josh Daines’ clever nodded lay-off.

Speaking to Echosport, boss Julien Simier was delighted by the outcome.

He said: “We had to dig a little deep but the character is just part of what we do at the moment.

“We could’ve given up a couple of times and 1-1 at half-time, it should’ve been 4-0.

“At 2-1, we conceded a pen and it was 2-2 with 20 minutes left. We managed to push and we scored in the 82nd minute. We showed great character and resilience.”

On the penalty, Simier added: “It was definitely a foul. The case was, was it in the box or out? I don’t know, I was too far away from it.

“There was talk that their striker was unsure. You can argue however long, it’s not going to change anything. We had to get on with it.”

Lyme now have a free weekend before their East Devon Senior Cup clash with Lapford on Saturday, March 12.

Lyme: Higgs, R Sargent, Fellingham, A Rowe, K Wellman, Bailey, Garrett, Turner, Parsons, Bond, Brimicombe, Bond.