Terras fall to the Celts
By Nigel Biddlecombe

WEYMOUTH threw away the lead twice as they were beaten in this crucial Blue Square Premier six-pointer at the Throstle Nest.

John Hollins retained the same 11 that started the match against Exeter City on Easter Monday for Saturday's vital relegation battle in Yorkshire, although Stuart Beavon and new loan signing Mark Convery came into the squad as substitutes.

With just three minutes on the clock Kyle Critchell robbed Damian Reeves and ran the length of the pitch only to be upended by Georges Santos a couple of feet outside the penalty area, Simon Weather-stone's free-kick being blocked by the home wall.

Reeves shot well over the bar, Stephen Henderson saved from Simeon Bambrook and Critchell was forced to clear as the home side sought to put the Terras under pressure, but it was Weymouth who took the lead.

With 11 minutes gone James Coutts found Critchell whose cross caused problems in the home defence.

Anton Robinson rose well to head goalwards only for Curtis Aspden to palm his effort away, but Tony Bedeau was quickest to react and prodded the ball home.

advertisementThe visitors, buoyed by this goal, began to put Farsley to the sword with Chris Blackburn getting to a Weatherstone corner, but seeing his effort finish on the top of the net and Coutts ending a superb three-man move by shooting wide.

Weymouth should have increased their lead in the 35 minute when Nick Crittenden put Robinson free in space, but the Terras midfielder hit the ball across the penalty area when a shot on goal would have been the best option.

Farsley were buoyed by this and came straight downfield to equalise when Roy Stamer held off a couple of challenges before beating Henderson from close range.

Weatherstone, Blackburn and Michael Malcolm all had chances to regain the advantage, before the interval, but failed to test Aspden - in the home goal.

Within 30 seconds of the restart Robinson was put through by Coutts but could not take advantage and Farsley began to look stronger with Henderson being forced to save well when James Knowles latched on to a pass from Dominic Krief and then to hold on to a cross from Reeves.

Having weathered the storm the Terras did regain the lead - after 54 minutes. Coutts took advantage of an error by Santos to find Bedeau, whose cross from the left was met by Weatherstone leaving Aspden with no chance.

The home side levelled on 67 minutes as Prendergast was allowed to make ground down the left and cross into the Terras box, substitute David McNiven was in space and powered his header past Henderson.

Although Malcolm saw his shot saved and another effort from Coutts was blocked Farsley were visibly growing in confidence and took the lead for the first time when Mark Jackson reacted first to a near post corner, after 76 minutes.

The reverse obviously shook the Terras, but they were unable to get back on level terms as Malcolm, Robinson and Blackburn all had efforts saved.

Farsley put the result beyond doubt with just two minutes left on the clock as Reeves took advantage of a terrible attempted back pass by Bedeau to fire past the helpless Henderson.

As the teams played out five minutes of added time Hender-son saved the Terras further embarrassment when he saved brilliantly from Reeves, but it was the home side who took the vital three points as the referee brought a game that should have been won by Weymouth to a disappointing end.