Super Weston
by Steve Dadd & Pete Pavey

15th January 2003

In this hastily arranged friendly against Dr Martens Western division high flyers Weston Super Mare, former Terras favourites Ryan Cross and Kevin Parker returned to the Wessex stadium. Weymouth were without the services of Robinson, Dean, Bailey and Whiteman.

A Ryan Ashford free kick in the first minutes was blazed wide from 20 yards, the lively Tony Hopkins drove a 20 yard shot past the far post on 12 minutes and a minute later Matthews got down well as Weston enjoyed a purple patch from a Jonny Miller shot.

Lee Phillips looked hungry all night and his blistering 30 yard drive on the half hour cannoned off the upright and minutes later after great interplay with Sajic his shot went wide.

On 36 minutes Phillips took on three defenders on the edge of the area, beating all three with close ball control his shot shaved the upright.

Weston took the lead after 41 minutes, from a corner the home side defence failed to clear and as the ball bobbled in the area David Mehew beat the ball past Matthews.

Right on half time former Dorchester hot shot Danny O’Hagan outjumped the Weymouth back line but Matthews was on hand to cover the threat, Matthews released Tully, he raced down the right flank, passed inside to Phillips who unleashed a shot that was inches wide.

So at half time the score was: Weymouth 0 Weston Super Mare 1

Weston went 2 up with five minutes of the second half played. Aaron Blackmore picked up a pass from Tony Hopkins and his first time shot from 8 yards spun off the deck, deceived Matthews and drifted into the net.

That was Weston's last venture into Weymouth territory, but Weymouth’s poor finishing and luck denied them any chance of getting back into a one sided game.

Ashford blasted the ball from 18 yards but the ball was well parried by Jones, the rebound fell at Phillips feet his reaction shot flew straight back at the keeper.

Phillips hit the post again on 63 minutes and 5 minutes later Hutchinson could not believe his well struck effort was clawed out of the air by the acrobatic Jones.

Hutchinson limped off after 73 minutes with a twisted ankle and John Lamb hit the crossbar with his effort from 3 yes 3 yards.

Weymouth continued to press right up to the final whistle but the gods were against them, lets hope they smile kindly on the Terras this Saturday.