Harris on traget as Terras tretch lead
By Nigel Biddlecombe

Tuesday 25th January 2006

WEYMOUTH'S championship charge continued last night with a fourth successive Conferance South win at Hayes.

The division leaders opened up a six-point advantage over nearest rivals
Havant and Waterlooville with an excellentt display at a freezing Church Lane.

Midfielder Andy Harris, back in the side following a one-match suspension, and an own goal from defender Orlando Jeffrey were on the score-sheet for Garry Hill's men.

Only in the last ten minutes did the Middlesex hosts ever look a danger as Danny Jordan salvaged some pride with a late consolation.

But once again the Dorset full-timers dug deep when necessary to secure what could be a crucial three points in the race for the title.

The only surprise at the interval was how Weymouth were only one goal to the good. The visitors, playing plenty of decent football, could have had the game sewn up by the much-needed half-time cuppa.

Recalled striker Kirk Jackson, who finally ended his long goal drought last weekend, nearly put Weymouth ahead inside three minutes following a decent pass by Ben Smith.

Jackson's strike partner Chukki Eribenne was then the guilty party moments later, but his close range effort following John McGrath's corner was off target.

The visitors continued to dominant Jackson's header from Steve Tully's cross tested Hayes keeper Kevin Davies.

The home side were struggling for creative ideas although Kevin McKenna's snap-shot was well over from distance midway through the half.

With the visitors continuing to look strong, the Terras deservedly took the lead on 33 minutes.

McGrath's corner wasn't cleared by the home rearguard and following Jackson's flick, Harris was on hand to steer home from six-yards.

The second half was similar in vein for long periods as the first as Weymouth looked to double their advantage.

Wingers McGrath and Lee Elam impressed and the pair combined to set up Eribenne whose header nearly set up Smith for number two.

Hayes, to their credit, kept plugging away and they nearly shocked the league leaders when Michael Bartley headed just over from Shaun McAuley's centre.

Weymouth needed a second goal to ease the nerves and it arrived on 59 minutes.

Elam found Tully on the opposite flank with a superb crossfield pass and the defender sent in a dangerous cross which was turned into his own net by the unlucky Jeffrey.

The points seemed safe for Hill's side who nearly made life even worse for Hayes when Eribenne fired wide. There were a few moments of danger though as Terras keeper Jason Matthews denied Kevin Warner after a decent move down the right.

The introduction of substitute Shaun Kieran Knight pepped up the hosts and Willy Wordsworth's team pulled one back with six minutes left.

Jeffrey broke down the Hayes' right, crossed for striker Jordan who turned and slotted past Matthews to give the hosts hope.

Weymouth were forced to battle in the remaining minutes having been in control for so long.

Things threatened to spill over in the closing seconds as Eribenne appeared to react to a McKenna challenge prompting an 18-man bundle.

Once things calmed down, referee Kevin Johnson issued yellow cards to Weymouth pair Eribenne and Elam and Hayes' McKenna.