Blue are humbled by terrific Terras
By Matt Pitman

Saturday 30th July 2005

THE best Terras team ever. That's the verdict of Portland United chairman Pete Turrell after watching his side get hammered 9-0 by Weymouth in a pre-season friendly at Grove Corner last night.

Turrell, a former Wessex Stadium favourite, said: "Weymouth were simply awesome tonight and Garry Hill has assembled a hell of side over the summer.

"I've followed Weymouth for years and I'd say the side now is probably the best in a long time, if not ever. "They were so sharp and professional in everything they did - it was very much like Yeovil when they visited us in pre-season a few seasons ago.

"But despite the heavy defeat, I can't fault our lads who worked ever so hard and they will have gained an awful lot playing against such a good side."

Weymouth's island fling started as early as the eight minute when midfielder Brian Dutton netted at the second attempt from Tony Taggart's cross.

Striker Dan Webb grabbed the first of his three goals on 13 minutes before he hooked past over-worked home keeper Richard Bown for 3-0 seconds later.

The Terras, who started with just two of the side that lost to Brentford earlier in the week, continued launching wave after wave of attacks.

The outstanding Darren Wheeler set up Dutton for number four midway
through the opening half before the returning Chukki Eribenne got his name on the scoresheet on 34 minutes. There was no let up for the Blues who were picking the ball out of the net again just before the interval.

Wheeler picked up possession 40 yards from goal and accelerated past four home defenders before coolly slotting past Bown for 6-0.

Ian Hutchinson replaced skipper Matt Bound at centre half as things continued in a similar vein after the break.

Webb grabbed his hat-trick on 49 minutes, heading home from Steve Tully's cracking right wing cross. The former Southend striker had a couple of chances to net again before Eribenne lashed in for 8-0 on 71 minutes. And there was still time for substitute Adam Wilde to rub salt in Portland's wounds by floating a
cheeky chip over Bown from the edge of the area.

Weymouth : Matthews, Tully, Taggart, Thomas, Bound, Dutton, Wilkinson, Carey,
Webb, Eribenne, Wheeler.

Portland : Bown, Whyton, Thoday, Linnard, Wallis, Turrell, Perkins, A Skelton, Wisden, D Skelton, Doidge.