LYME REGIS 1

CRONIES 2

LYME Regis fell to an unfortunate late goal to be denied a point against Cronies in the Macron Devon & Exeter Premier Division.

Cronies struggled to create many clear-cut chances.

However, they went 1-0 up after 25 minutes

Kingsley Wellman then gave away a penalty, but Cronies missed from the spot to hand the Seasiders a lifeline.

They also prompted Will Meech in the Seasiders’ goal into a save from a free-kick and a one-on-one opportunity but could not further extend their lead.

Lyme also had chances to rescue an equaliser but could not find a clinical touch, as they went in at half-time 1-0 down.

Lyme started the second half brilliantly, and had their reward in very little time at all.

The Seasiders broke away, and a misjudgement between the Cronies’ defence and goalkeeper allowed Vine to nip in, round the goalkeeper and slot into the empty net.

Lyme were able to threaten from set plays, with Robbie Fellingham having a brilliant game with his deliveries.

It was from these that Lyme saw two efforts cleared off the line, and one attempt scooped over the bar from close in.

Cronies were able to threaten in a similar manner, but could not capitalise.

The Seasiders suffered heartbreak just before full time however, when a free-kick was loaded into the box and a player got a touch to fire it into the net.

A free-kick in the last minute of injury time was pumped into the box and Cronies were able to get on the end of it and rifle it into the back of the net.

Manager Gerard Hitchcock said: “It hurts a little bit but such is life unfortunately.

“A draw would have been a fair result, they pushed hard, I mean they are a very good side. They finished second in the league last year, they are no mugs.

“A point would have been a fair result, I think they knew it themselves because when they scored they celebrated pretty wildly because they knew they had stolen an extra two points from us.”

Hitchcock revealed he emphasised the close nature of the result to his players afterwards, but in a positive light given Cronies’ second place finish last year.

With Lyme having been promoted into the league at the end of last season, their current position of fifth is a healthy one.

When asked what he said to his players after the match, Hitchcock said: “Pretty much that you have just taken the team that finished second in the league last year all of the way and lost in the 94th minute. You cannot switch off for a minute.”

Lyme Regis host Exwick Villa on Saturday (3pm).