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Blood-runners
By Nigel Biddlecombe
WEYMOUTH made their first visit to the Butchers Arms Ground
and returned south with all three points after a hard earned
3-1 victory over Droylsden.
Manager Jason Tindall made just one change from the side
that defeated Ebbsfleet United last week when he drafted in
Kyle Critchell as a replacement for the suspended skipper
Simon Weatherstone.
The game started at a frantic pace with James Coutts and
Marcus Browning combining to give Jeffer-son Louis a chance
inside the first minute, however the Terras striker was penalised
for a foul on Colin Cryan.
The resultant free-kick enabled play to switch immediately
to the other end and Jason Matthews was called upon to save
a weak effort from the Bloods' Kevin Lynch after the Terras'
defence had opened up for Ged Murphy.
As Weymouth continued to move forward Coutts was inches away
from collecting a clever flick by Stuart Beavon, while the
ex-Didcot striker forced a save from Paul Phillips when he
drove in a shot from 30 yards.
The visitors took a deserved lead in the 14th minute when
Beavon latched on to a poor clearance and fired in a terrific
shot from 30 yards which left Phillips clutching at fresh
air.
With Weymouth playing all the constructive football it looked
as if it would be just a matter of time before they increased
their lead, but the home defence stood firm. The pattern of
the game continued with the hosts threatening on the few occasions
that they managed to break out of their danger area.
Droylsden's Andy Smith headed wide when he had a clear opportunity
in the 32nd minute after superb build up play by Jody Banim
and Murphy.
Sido Jombarti limped off after a challenge from home skipper
Steve Halford in the 22nd minute and his replacement, Nick
Crittenden, almost scored soon after.
Phillips though, did well to save at his feet after the Terras
substitute had beaten three men in a run through the centre
of the park.
When Jefferson Louis headed Crittenden's 31st minute free-kick
to Beavon, who headed into the net, the away side thought
they had added a second, but their joy was short-lived as
the assistant referee signalled for offside.
Droylsden started the second half well and were disappointed
when Banim's 47th minute effort was ruled out for offside.
Meanwhile Louis should have done better when he found himself
one-on-one with Phillips four minutes later, but the home
keeper saved at his feet.
Louis then latched on to a clearance and headed into the
path of Beavon, in the 51st minute, but as the Terras' striker
laid the ball of to Crittenden there appeared to be few options.
However, Crittenden had other ideas and let fly with a fierce
shot from 35 yards. Phillips did superbly to get two hands
to the shot, but the pace was too much, destroying the goal
netting in the process.
At this stage Weymouth should have put the game out of the
Bloods' reach, but the Terras allowed the home side back into
the game eight minutes later when Justin Roberts failed to
clear his lines and Banim nipped in to chip over the advancing
Matthews.
Weymouth were now forced onto the back foot as the hosts
fought to grab an equaliser. Banim's flicked header from Cryan's
free-kick was held by Matthews while Terry Fearns blasted
high after Matthews had been unable to hold on to Jamie Tandy's
corner.
The 64th minute introduction of Scott Doe saw the Terras
switch from three at the back to four and Droylsden revelled
in the extra midfield freedom.
Tindall then introduced Danny Phillips for Louis to strengthen
the midfield, but this just served to isolate Beavon and provide
the home side with the opportunities to turn just about every
Weymouth clearance into an attacking situation.
The final twist of the match came in additional time when
Coutts exchanged passes with substitute Phillips to side-foot
past the advancing Droylsden stopper and wrap up a good afternoon
for the Terras and their travelling fans.
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