Thursday 3rd March 2005

WEYMOUTH moved joint top of the Sammy McGowan Cup table after a convincing' win over Portland United last night in a game that was switched to the Wessex Stadium at the 11th hour due to frozen Grove Corner pitch.

The Terras, fielding a near full strength side, cruised to the three points courtesy of goals from Simon Browne, Danny Byrne and debutant loan striker Kezie Ibe.

The contest was all over after just 17 minutes when Browne's header and Byrne's drive from distance fired Steve Johnson's side two up.

At that stage you feared Dave Court's youthful Blues would be on the end of a hammering.

But the islanders refused to give up the fight, steadily improved and restricted their hosts to just Ibe's late third.

And Portland boss Court said he was delighted with his side's performance.

He said: "The lads showed great commitment and played really well against a very good Weymouth side.

"One thing you can't knock them for is their effort and tonight was a clear example of that.

"We knew this tie would be about performance more than result and every one of my players can be proud of their efforts.

"More of the same between now and the end of the season and we'll be fine."

The hosts dominated possession all night as shots rained in on Portland's keeper Paul Gadsby early on.

Midfielder Nicolas Mirza hit the post on six minutes before Simon Browne headed the Terras ahead moments later.

It was two soon after when Byrne gave exWeymouth stopper Gadsby no chance with a rocket from 25 yards on 17 minutes.

A cricket score looked on the cards as Ludovic Cadima wasted a host of decent chances and Ian Hutchinson curled a shot against the post.

But a combination of dogged defending, hard work and luck saw Portland weather the storm.

And the visitors caused Weymouth a couple of scares when midfielder Danny Cullen twisted inside marker Dave Waterman and forced keeper Francisco Ramos into a low save.

Then Waterman nearly headed into his own net from Gareth Mor,gan's looping cross.

Portland continued to contain the Terras after the interval, with chances at a premium.

A string of substitutions interrupted the flow, although Cadima did fashion a couple of openings but dragged shots wide.

Some impressive link up play by teenager Lewis Why ton , setting up Cullen to go close, was the highlight for Portland.

With time running out, Weymouth added a late third when substitute Callum Ross Jennins skipped through and squared for Ibe to slot home from close range.

Terras boss Steve Johnson said: "It was a good workout and nice to get a win. We should have scored more but all credit to Portland because they played really well and showed they've got some good lads there."