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Terras join in the party
By Nigel Biddlecombe
WEYMOUTH earned a superb point to ensure their survival in
the Blue Square Premier at the Recreation Ground last night.
They played their part in an emotional evening in great style,
by not only thwarting the Shots' powerful attack, but by giving
the home defence plenty to think about.
Terras boss John Hollins made two changes from Saturday's
victory over Kidderminster Harriers.
Justyn Roberts was called into the centre of defence to replace
the injured Chris Blackburn while Michael Malcolm returned
from injury and took the place of Marcus Browning who dropped
to the bench.
Midfielder Paolo Vernazza was added to the substitutes' bench.
Although Simon Weatherstone brought an early save from Nikki
Bull, Aldershot, spurred on by a terrific crowd, had several
chances early in the half.
Rob Gier saw his effort well blocked by James Coutts, Roberts
did well to break up a good move between Kirk Hudson and Louie
Soares and keeper Stephen Henderson made the first of a series
of fine saves to keep out John Grant's effort.
As Aldershot's early pressure ebbed Weymouth began to make
inroads of their own. Kyle Critchell's cross caused confusion
before Ricky Newman headed clear and Matthew Bailey headed
a Stuart Beavon cross just wide.
The Shots came back with Lewis Chalmers, Elvins and Grant combining
in great fashion before Grant put Elvins in, but Henderson put
his body on the line to save bravely.
Weatherstone forced Bull to save and Bailey was narrowly
wide with another headed effort while at the other end Scott
Doe cleared off the goal-line on the stroke of half-time from
Soares.
The second half started in controversial fashion when - with
just 40 seconds on the clock - Grant bullied his way into
the box before falling under Doe's innocuous challenge.
The referee awarded a penalty, but justice was done as Grant
sent the spot-kick against a post and the Terras cleared.
Once again Weymouth took the early sting out of Aldershot
play and came back into the game as Weatherstone shot wide
and another Bailey header flew narrowly past the upright.
Mikhail Jaimez-Ruiz, on as a substitute goalkeeper for Bull,
saved well from Malcolm and Bailey before the home side broke
and Chalmers had plenty of time to get his shot in, but hit
the ball well over the crossbar.
Henderson pulled off another fine save from Soares and then
held on to a dangerous cross from Ben Harding, before play
switched to the other end and Weather-stone's corner deceived
the home defence before dropping onto the roof of the net.
Hudson's shot beat Henderson but flashed past the post and
the Terras' keeper had to be at his best to deny Harding with
a top-class save.
As the game moved on it became apparent that the Terras might
be in for a three-point haul as they were now looking the
more confident side.
The referee ignored claims for a penalty as substitute Stuart
Douglas was elbowed off the ball by Newman before Rhys Day
was forced to clear Douglas' headed effort, from Weatherstone's
free-kick, off his own goal-line, with the keeper well beaten.
However, despite pressure from the Terras, the game came
to a goal-less end allowing both sets of supporters the opportunity
to celebrate.
The travelling Weymouth supporters and players enjoyed a
deserved escape from relegation with gusto before joining
the home fans in acclaiming the league champions.
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