Look who's back in a Terras shirt
by Rebekah Wheller

23rd July 2003

Weymouth boss Steve Claridge could not have hoped for a better return to his former stomping ground at Aldershot Town last night as his side gunned down the newly promoted Conference side in this pre-season friendly.

Claridge made his long-awaited return in a Terras strip, starting his first match of the campaign in the No 9 shirt and playing a pivotal role for 70 minutes.

Afterwards he commented: "We played well tonight against a strong Aldershot team so I don't think we're going to a pushover for too many teams in our league."

The hosts pressed hard for a goal in the run up to half-time and had it not been for a superb performance from goalkeeper Jason Matthews, the home side could have been three up before the visitors had a look in.

But overall it was Weymouth who looked the more organised outfit and with midfield duo Martin Barlow and Lee Philpott spraying passes around, the lively Terras look a good bet for a decent Dr Martens Premier campaign.

Lee Phillips and Scott Partridge both looked sharp on the attack. After 42 minutes Phillips took on Dominic Sterling and, having turned the Shots defender in the box, he slotted home.

The second half saw a more relaxed pace, but it was Weymouth who looked the hungriest for the win and their attack was unrelentless.

Young substitute Carl Mutch, who swapped into Claridge's shirt just minutes earlier, filled it admirably and proved too much for the Shots when he deflected Martyn Sullivan's strike into the net in the 75th minute.

Weymouth were never in any real trouble after that and claimed an impressive win over the Conference new boys on their own turf.