Reserves run out of puff and ideas

LIFE doesn’t get any easier for Lyme Regis Reserves, struggling in Division Three of the Devon & Exeter League.

Seasiders’ boss Dominic Rowe, one of Lyme’s most classiest defenders in recent years, is experiencing a real baptism of fire in his first year as a manager.

He’s undoubtedly got some talent under his charge but with eight league games played, they have not been able to forge a cohesive unit which is making any real impact on the third tier in Devon and Exeter football.

Rowe was looking for a better performance when he took his side to Teignmouth 2nds on Saturday, after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Dunkeswell two weeks ago .

And whilst thee were some signs of better things to come, a 4-1 defeat leaves them perilously close to the relegation zone.

Rowe stuck to his preferred 3-5-2 line-up and the Reserve started much stronger and created three or four good scoring chances early on. But they were caught on the counter after around 25 minutes when the home side took the lead and then dominated proceedings, going in at half-time with a 2-0 lead.

Lyme rallied after the break and narrowed arrears through Steve Batey with a sweet shot into the top corner from just inside the box.

The Ressies pushed hard for the equaliser with Dan Rendell and Cam Fowler looking dangerous down the left flank. Shane Featherstone came on for Bradley Rowe to shake things about up front and substitute Freddie Andrews also found space  to pressurise the home defence.

But as the game progressed Lyme ran out of steam and ideas and Teignmouth made sure of the points with two late goals.

Rowe recognises that his side is in need of a real goalscorer. “We just have to kick on from here, it will come,” he said.

His man-of-the-match accolade went to the ever-reliable Rob Hart who pulled off  a string of good saves and was very strong between the sticks.

This Saturday the Reserves have a good chance to add to their points tally at home to Pinhoe (kick-off 2.30 pm),who are struggling with just four points from seven games.