Classy Clarke fires Terras
By Nigel Biddlecombe

Monday 27th February 2006

WEYMOUTH opened up a five-point lead at the top of Conference South following a comfortable win at struggling Thurrock.

Garry Hill's Terras made it consecutive away wins through second half goals from the excellent Steve Clark and loanee Raphael Nade.

The Essex hosts, who have now lost their last seven league contests, pulled one back late on through striker Kris Lee.

In addition to the victory, another major plus point for the Dorset visitors was the superb form of winger Clark who now appears to have regained his confidence and is back to his best.

With Dean Holdsworthy, Roy O'Brien and Chukki Eribenne all suffering from stomach problems, Weymouth kept the same side who won at Weston-super-Mare and the unchanged line-up came up trumps again.

On an uneven pitch and with a swirling wind, Terras gave yet another thoroughly professional performance.

The visitors gave an indication of their superiority as early as the third minute when Clark's throw was headed on by Jackson into Nade's path, but the Carlisle United striker was unable to control the ball.

Clark then collected a long clearance from Matthews, only for home keeper Glen Knight to save with his feet.

The visitors had a goal ruled out when Clark's effort appeared to cross the line but the officials ruled play on.

Weymouth's pressure continued as Andy Harris tried his luck from distance before Thurrock's Richard Goddard went close himself.

Simon Downer and Shaun Wilkinson fired goalwards for the Terras, then moments later visiting keeper Jason Matthews was finally called into action.

Goddard found Steve Heffer six yards out but his effort was brilliantly saved by Matthews.

On the stroke of half-time Matthews gathered the ball from Goddard, but the home striker continued his run to clatter into him and was perhaps fortunate to escape with a caution.

After the interval Weymouth continued to dominate and it seemed the all-important goal would not be long in coming.

The best chance was a snap shot from midfielder Ben Smith which was deflected for a corner with Knight seemingly well beaten.

The first goal arrived on 63 minutes and what a fantastic strike it was.

Clark latched on to the ball on the halfway line, ran goalward, beat two players before holding off a strong challenge by John Cordle before drilling past Knight from 18 yards.

The midfield man's team-mates mobbed Clark to celebrate his first goal for the club.

Hill's full-timers sealed the points six minutes later when Jackson headed on Matthews punt for Nade to run and coolly beat Knight.

With the points in the bag, there was no urgency in Weymouth's play although the quiet but efficient midfield play by Harris caught the eye.

Thurrock's Heffer was fortunate to escape with only a booking when he flattened Smith who was preparing to shoot.

Terras substitute Craig O'Connor, who had replaced Nade, was cautioned when he was adjudged to have kicked the ball away after a debatable offside decision.

With only injury time remaining the hosts managed their second effort on target and they made it count.

Garry Cross broke clear on the left and played a ball across the penalty area which the visitors failed to clear.

Mark Janney kept play alive and crossed back into the danger-zone for Lee to squeeze his shot past Matthews.

Thurrock couldn't muster an equaliser though as the Dorset side play out three minutes of stoppage time to seal the win.