Claridge scouts as Terras slump
by Matt Pitman & Paul Baker

30th July 2003

Weymouth slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Wessex League Winchester City last night - but boss Steve Claridge was not at Hillier Lane to see it.

The Terras manager stayed away from his side's latest warm up game to conduct a scouting mission on a potential signing.

Claridge, who was tight-lipped on the mystery man, left assistant Neil McNab in charge as a poor Weymouth struggled to cope against their lower league hosts.

McNab said: "Steve wants to strengthen the side in a couple of areas and knows the sort of player he wants. He wanted to see one of the players before deciding on whether to take things further."

The Dorset side, who rested injured duo Lee Phillips, Martyn Sullivan and York-based Lee Phillpott, went behind midway through the first half.

Winchester striker Andy Forbes, who has proved a menace to most Wessex League defences over the years, was at it again when he majestically chipped visiting keeper Jason Matthews from 25 yards.

City, featuring former Terra Michael Dean, never looked in danger after that.

Terras made changes after the interval, but it was more of the same.

Defender John Waldock had Weymouth's only decent opportunity late on.

McNab added: "Both teams had spells of possession but the fact we were missing Steve and the two Lees definitely had an effect because they are three major players. When the manager picks his strongest side, I'm sure we'll see a different Weymouth."