TOPSHAM TOWN 1

LYME REGIS 2

LYME Regis continued their charge towards the top of the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division with a 2-1 victory at struggling Topsham Town.

Knowing that victory would elevate the Seasiders into fourth above rivals Cronies, who did not play, Lyme began well and opened the scoring through Sam Pollard-Jones.

Having earned a 1-0 half-time lead, the two sides traded goals, with Pollard-Jones grabbing Lyme’s strike and Topsham’s new signing Lewis Cockayne getting on the scoresheet.

Lyme had to weather a concerted spell of pressure at the death, Topsham nearly stealing a point, but Gerard Hitchcock’s men held on for a precious win.

However, the triumph was soured by a serious injury to Lyme’s Ben Turner, who was treated in hospital for a broken cheekbone and is expected to be out for at least two months.

Hitchcock’s men are now seven points off leaders Exwick Villa with a game in hand ahead of a trip to second-placed Colyton on Saturday (2.15pm).

Elsewhere, Lyme’s Reserves thrashed Hemyock 4-0 in Devon & Exeter League Division Four.

Full-back Fred Thompson and Dan Boot scored for the Seasiders’ second string to open up a 2-0 half-time

advantage, which was then doubled by a lethal Simon Featherstone brace.

Lyme visit leaders Alphington Thirds on Saturday (2.15pm).