Monday 14th March 2005

WEYMOUTH'S dismal run continued as Havant and Waterlooville inflicted yet another defeat on Steve Johnson's misfiring side.

Neil Sharp headed a first half winner at West Leigh Park after visiting keeper Jason Matthews was sent off for handling outside his area early on.

The ten-man Terras huffed and puffed against their old rivals after that but, once again, could not find the net.

This latest Conference South setback means it's now five league games without a win for the Radipole Lane outfit.

Johnson's youngsters dropped to 11th in the table and lock like they can't buy a win for love or money at the moment.

Chairman Martyn Harrison flew back from a business trip in Florida early to watch the game in Hampshire.

But after another afternoon of nothing to show for some decent build up play, the hotelier must wish he was still in the States instead.

Many more setbacks like this and the Terras will start anxiously looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.

There were a few plus points for Weymouth though - winger Darren Wheeler impressed while midfielder Brian Dutton was also lively.

But Havant, for whom former Terra Robbie Pethick was solid on the right flank, edged a scrappy contest to steal the points.

Johnson lined up with Yeovil Town loanee Kezie Ibe as his sole striker, with his side's chances few and far between in the opening period.

One of their best came inside three minutes when Wheeler wriggled away down the left, cut inside and drew a good save by Hawks keeper Gareth Howells.

The hosts hit back as skipper and former Wimbledon striker Dean Holdsworth's low effort by blocked by Matthews.

Play swung to the other end as Nicolas Mirza drilled just wide after latching on to Roy O'Brien's through ball.

But the visitors suffered a massive blow when keeper Matthews was red carded on 14 minutes.

The former Exeter City goalie came to collect an easy clearance from Havant's Peter Fear but misjudged the flight and stepped fractionally outside his box.

Referee John Ferries had no hesitation in showing a straight red to Matthews for his third sending off of the season.

Johnson withdrew defender Thomas for substitute keeper Francisco Ramos, opting to remain with a lone striker. Ramos was soon called into action, clawing Holdsworth's free kick round the post.

Havant took the lead on 24 minutes and they owed a big debt of thanks to Pethick.

He sent over a pinpoint corner from the left for Sharp to rocket a close range header past Ramos.

Peter Fear fired over the top after good link play by striker and one time Terra target David Town.

Things remained scrappy until the interval although Nicolas Mirza crashed a speculative drive out of the ground and Dutton went close with a first time volley.

Wheeler always looked Weymouth's dangerman and neat defending from Neil Champion to deny him after the restart.

Havant midfielder Geoff Pitcher enjoyed more influence as time went on and his excellent ball almost set up substitute James Mackie for a second.

Johnson finally bowed to the inevitable and sent on Ludovic Cadima as a second striker midway through the second period.

The change immediately pepped up the Terras attack as they pressed for an equaliser.

Scampering winger Mark Boyce's control let him down as he burst into the area, before Cadima lashed well ' over the top from 20 yards.

The pressure continued as Howells blocked well from Mirza after Wheeler's pass.

In stoppage time, Weymouth fashioned their best chance to salvage a point.

Howell blocked Ibe's initial effort after the striker bundled his way into a crowded box.

The Yeovil Town man collected the loose ball but defender Jason Chewins got back to clear off the line.

Weymouth : Jason Matthews, Dave Waterman, CharlieWelch, Matt Boond, Bradley Thorpas, Roy O'Brlell, Mark Soyc:e, BrianOotton, Kezle Ibe, Nic:olas Mirza, Darren Wheeler

Subs : Kieren Keane (for Boyce 85mins),.lan Hutchinson, Ludovic Cadima. (for Waterman 62mins), Simoll Browrie, Francisco Ramos (for Thomas 14mins).

Havant & W : Gareth Howells, 'Neil Champion, Jason Chewins, Geoff Pitc:her, Tom Jordan, Neil Sharp, Peter Fear, Robbie Pethick, Dave Town, Dean Holdsworth, Brett Poate.

Subs : James Taylor, James Mackie (for Town 5211')Ins), Jamie Collins (for Fear 8Qmlns), Neil Davis, Jamie Campbell.