Red hot Raphael
By Matt Pitman

Saturday 5th August 2006

RAPHAEL Nade marked his return to the Terras with a goal in the 3-1

win at Weston-super-Mare last night. The French striker opened the visitors' account in what Garry Hill described as an excellent' pre-season work-out.

Wayne Purser and Chukki Eribenne were also on target for Weymouth, who included trialist midfielder Abdou El Kholti within their ranks, while Weston's consolation effort came courtesy of a late spot kick following a foul by goalkeeper Jason Matthews.

Hill said: "It was another excellent run out for us and it's good to see the strikers hitting form.

"Raff picked up where he left off last season and although he only played 45 minutes, he looked really sharp and goal hungry.

"Wayne Purser missed a penalty but made amends with a super strike and then Chukki got in on the act late on and so I'm delighted."

He added: "Abdou El Kholti is an ex-Yeovil player I'm just having a look at and he'll play again for us at Portland on Monday. At the moment it's no more than that but he's a good player and I'll monitor the situation for a few days."

On a less positive note, Hill saw two of his players pick-up injuries at Woodspring Park - Tony James and Simon Weatherstone.

"It's a worry to get injuries so close to the start of the season," the manager added. "Both players are carrying little knocks but hopefully they're not too serious.

"Other than that it was a good night for us and I'll be looking for more of the same when we end our preparation games up at Portland."