Seasiders close in on title

Merriott 0 Lyme Regis 1

LYME took a massive step forward towards clinching the Perry Street Premier Division title with this win against one of the side's with high hopes of the accolade. Indeed, had the home side won this one they would have been championship favourites.

Now the Seasiders face a four game run-in knowing they have a one-defeat cushion.

They have a real tester away to Chard tomorrow, and this will be followed by three games during the next seven days.

The Seasiders looked slick and solid in the clash on Monday night, finding some of their best form at just the right time and taking the points through a snappy goal from Jon Whetlor after a clever build up.

Whetlor, who has been unable to command a regular first team place, having started the season at neighbouring Charmouth, had a sparkling all round game and was unlucky with a fierce shot which hit the bar.

Substitute Wes Dowell, who had a netting disallowed for off side, was on the park for only five minutes, having gone down in a powerful tackle in which he sustained a rib injury requiring hospital treatment.

Lyme took the field in buoyant fashion for the Merriott clash, having secured three points at Netherbury on Saturday.

Three up at the interval, Lyme fended off a spirited fight back from the Ambers after the break to finish comfortable winners.

Lyme, for whom Pete Lawrence had a good game on his first senior side outing of the season, were without Darren Stewart, Adam Clark, Ben Finnigan, Dowell and Phil Legg.

Their men on target were Graham White (2), Robin Townsend, Lawrence and Jason Hawker (penalty).

Scorers for Netherbury were Ian Platt, Gavin Gay (penalty) and Kevin Jones.