Chukki gives Terras the edge over Rocks
By Nigel Biddlecombe

Monday 24th July 2006

WEYMOUTH continued their pre-season campaign with a workmanlike, if unconvincing, performance at Bognor Regis.

Rarely forced to move out of first gear, the Terras sealed victory thanks to a late strike by Chukki Erribenne.

Goalkeeper Jason Matthews was called upon to thwart Ben Watson twice in the opening minutes before Nick Crittenden produced the visitors' first shot from a free kick.

Roy O'Brien replaced the, injured Trevor Challis after 17 minutes and a minute later smart play between Shaun Wilkinson and Wayne Purser resulted in Ben Smith shooting just wide.

Matthews again saved well from Don Morney in the 35th minute after Watson had put the ex-Crawley striker clear.

Terras fan Matt Barton took up the linesman's flag for the second half after referee Andy Laver was forced to leave the field with an injury.

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Simon Weatherstone and Ashley Vickers both went close early in second period, but it was the introduction of Steve Tully, whose runs down the right flank caused problems for the Rocks' defence, that brought the game to life.

On 70 minutes Tully whipped in an excellent centre with Richard Logan forcing a fine stop Craig Stoner, and the home keeper was also alert to deny efforts from Wilkinson and Smith.

With the contest heading for a goalless draw, Eribenne finally broke the deadlock on 85 minutes.

Wilkinson took a quick free kick, which found Eribenne in space and the Terras' striker ran on to score low to Stoner's left.

Eribenne had a chance to make it two within seconds of the restart, but his shot went narrowly wide.

Right at the death Matthews reacted smartly to tip Watson's long range dipping drive over the crossbar, but it was the Terras who hung on to claim their second warm-up win.