Shoot-out heroes
By Nigel Biddlecombe
WEYMOUTH keeper Jason Matthews gave an inspired performance,
which included two penalty saves in a shoot-out finale, to help
send his side through to the third round of the FA Trophy last
night.
The Terras showed terrific character in a tremendous all-round
performance that earnt them a well deserved penalty victory
in the second round tie at Aggborough.
The visitors started strongly with both Michael Malcolm and
Stuart Beavon going close, while Matthews pulled off the first
of a series of saves to deny Harriers' striker James Constable.
With just five minutes on the clock Malcolm opened the scoring
as Paolo Vernazza's corner was helped on by Marcus Browning
and the ex-Rushden man was on hand to fire home.
Matthews denied Constable with a fantastic save in the 14th
minute as he dived to push the home striker's effort around
a post.
Weymouth began to push the home side back as the half progressed
with Beavon and Malcolm forcing Scott Bevan to save and Vernazza
seeing his effort deflected by Mark Creighton.
Gavin Hurren latched on to a bouncing ball just outside the
penalty area and fired in a fierce drive on the stroke of half-time
but, once again, Matthews was on hand to pull off a great save.
As the half closed out Weymouth went close again when Beavon
brought another good save from the home keeper.
The Terras got off to a dreadful start in the second period
when Joel Kitamirike was booked for a foul five yards outside
the penalty area and Jeff Kenna stepped up to fire home the
free-kick through the wall and into the bottom right-hand corner
in the 48th minute.
The home side began to find their rhythm as the goal gave
them confidence, but the Terras refused to be intimidated
and regained the lead after 63 minutes.
A long ball forward was met by Stuart Whitehead, but the
home skipper completely missed his attempted clearance and
the lively Malcolm nipped in to make the most of the opportunity
and score from ten yards.
However, the advantage did not last long as Harriers levelled,
for a second time, in the 70th minute.
Creighton's defensive clearance caused confusion between
Kitamirike and Bondz N'Gala leaving Constable with a clear
run on goal. The home striker made no mistake as he beat Matthews
from 12 yards.
As the home side pressed forward Weymouth were forced on
to the back foot, but they remained solid to deny Harriers
any clear chances.
Danny Phillips got back to tackle Justin Richards just as
he appeared ready to shoot, Matthews saved from Andy Ferrell
and James Coutts did well to block Iyseden Christie's effort
from the rebound.
At the other end Malcolm shot just over the bar and Coutts
saw an effort deflected for a corner before the 90 minutes
was up.
In the first period of extra-time N'Gala did well to clear
Ferrell's free-kick and good build up play between Kenna and
Richards provided Simon Russell with the opportunity to put
in a dangerous cross which Kyle Critchell did well to clear
at the expense of a corner.
With the home side pushing forward Weymouth's only chance
of the period fell to Malcolm, but his effort was blocked
by Whitehead.
Weymouth looked the stronger side in the second period with
Coutts and Wilfried Domoraud going close and Bevan doing well
to push the ball away when Vernazza's cross was deflected
goalwards by Creighton.
As the match moved towards a penalty shoot-out Browning was
on hand to clear off the line from Christie and Matthews pulled
off his third brilliant save of the match to deny the same
player with the referee looking at his watch.
Vernazza stepped up to take the first spot-kick and got Weymouth
off to a great start as he beat Bevan with ease.
Kidderminster's Christie then fired his spot-kick high over
the bar.
Coutts put the Terras two-up as he hit home the visitors'
second. Matthews' great night continued as he dived to his
right to push out Constable's effort.
When Stuart Douglas drove home the third the pressure was
really on the home side and Richards was unable to keep Harriers
in the tie as Matthews capped off a great night for himself
and Weymouth when he dived to his left to beat out the home
man's kick signalling great celebrations on and off the field
among the Terras' players, management and their small, but
vociferous, travelling support.
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