Waldock gives a vintage show
by Matt Pitman

Wednesday 23rd February 2005

STALWART John Waldock scored twice as Weymouth fought back to draw 2-2 with Dorchester Town in the Sammy McGowan Cup last night.

The veteran came out of semi-retirement to roll back the years and net late in each half at a bitterly cold Wessex Stadium.

Waldock's 86th minute header earned the hosts a point - just when it seemed Aaron Lomax and Steve Legg's goals would settle it for the Magpies.

And the former Sunderland youngster, who has been sidelined for much
of the last two years with a knee injury, reckons he is on the comeback trail.

Waldock, who played in centre midfield, said: "It feels great to be back and
I'm just pleased to get through a full 90 minutes.

"My knees feel a lot better and it's nice to be back playing football.

"Just playing games again is great, but scoring twice in a local derby makes it even better.

Future

"I've never been known for my goalscoring prowess so to get two is pretty rare - I think I shocked myself with the finish for the first one.

"I'm hoping to play a few more games in the coming weeks and I'll see how
things go.

"But I'd be lying if I said I don't wish to play some part in the first team again in the future.

Obviously that's up to the manager but I'm keeping my fingers crossed I'll get that chance."

Youthful Dorchester, featuring a host of reserve players, hit the front on 38 minutes when top scorer Lomax turned Simon Browne and coolly slotted home.

The former Street and Sherborne striker gave the Terras backline a rough ride all night and he could have made it two before the hosts got back on terms just before the break.

Waldock galloped through to latch on to Mark Boyce's through ball, kept his
cool and slotted past former "team-mate Paul Myers.

Both sides had chances to go in front before the Magpies regained the lead
ten minutes into the second half. Andy Borthwick, whose dad Gary was in the opposing dugout, played a peach of a pass for Lomax whose effort was saved by keeper Francisco Ramos, only for Legg to tuck home the loose ball.

The visitors looked lively on the break but Weymouth stepped up the pressure late on and grabbed an equaliser with four minutes left.

Danny Byrne picked out Waldock with a perfect cross and the veteran headed home from close range.

Despite the late setback, Magpies reserve boss and ex- Terra Paul Morrell was far from downhearted.

He said: "I'm really pleased with the lads.

They all showed a great attitude, worked hard and played some good football.

Weymouth fielded a fairly strong side so this was an excellent experience for the lads."

His Weymouth counterpart, Dave Kiteley, deputising for the absent Steve Johnson, added: "A draw was a fair result - a few people knock this competition but this game proved it is worthwhile.

"Some of the younger lads have had a chance to gain valuable experience and they'll be better players for it."

Weymouth : Ramos, Boyce, Welch, Browne, Thomas, Waldock, Middleton, Byrne, Hill, Brown, Wheeler. Subs: Dixon (for Welch), Jackson, Skinner (for Middleton),
McClements (for Hill), Evans.

Dorchester : Myers, Poore, Santos, Harvey, Llewellyn, Borthwick, Andrade, Legg, Sane, Lomax, Dovell. Subs: Emburey (for Llewellyn), Symes, Edwards, Lonnon.

Referee : Royston Mitchell.