McCallum’s magic
By Adam Summers

GAVIN McCallum netted his first competitive goal for Weymouth as they cruised to their first Blue Square Premier success since September 15.

The Canada Under-20 international gave the Terras the lead on the stroke of half-time before setting up the second which Jefferson Louis tapped home from close range on 59 minutes.

Northwich have not won yet this season and it was not hard to see why but the Terras should be applauded for their all-round display.

Not only was their attitude and work-rate spot on but they also looked a lot more solid at the back. In fact the clean sheet they gained was their first for over a month.

Weymouth boss Jason Tindall made two changes to the line up that began the previous week's 2-2 draw at Histon with full back Narada Bernard and winger Nick Crittenden replacing Joel Kitamirike and Conal Platt, who both dropped to the bench.

Bernard, who spent the whole of last month on the sidelines due to injury, was making his first appearance since August 23 when the Terras were beaten 2-1 at home by Burton Albion.

Amongst the substitutes there were also welcome returns for strikers Stuart Beavon and Stuart Douglas.

The statistics before the game seemed to be in the Terras' favour with Northwich having lost all six of their previous away trips but with the home defeat against Stafford Rangers still fresh in the memory of everyone associated with Weymouth no one was taking anything for granted.

The hosts started positively thanks to the hard work of McCallum up front. The youngster refused to give the visiting defenders any time on the ball and was also making good runs into the channels, providing a constant outlet.

On eight minutes McCallum slipped in James Coutts but just as the midfielder was about to pull the trigger in the box Josh Wilson cleared the danger with a last-ditch challenge.

Weymouth were looking dominant but after Paolo Vernazza and Anton Robinson both went close with strikes from outside the box, Northwich threatened with a free- kick from the right by Ryan Brown which just deflected wide of Jon Stewart's near post.

Despite that scare the Terras kept threatening and on 19 minutes a petulant challenge by Richard Battersby on Louis handed the hosts a free kick on the left. Vernazza delivered and after Louis' header was saved the ball found its way to McCallum who shot against the crossbar.

The Canadian continued to be a constant menace and on 28 minutes his skill and determination set up another chance for Robinson but his half volley flew just over.

The Terras were then unfortunate not to win a penalty. Crittenden dribbled his way into the box from the right and when Greg Strong did finally challenge the winger the ball appeared to strike his hand while he was on the deck. Referee Steve Creighton waved away Weymouth's appeals.

The hosts continued to pressure with Robinson shooting wide before McCallum was finally rewarded for his hard work by getting the opener on 45 minutes.

The lively forward made a positive run down the right and after a fine one-two with Vernazza he cut inside the box and fired home a low drive that beat keeper Ben Connett at his near post.

A superb passing move then followed which ended with a shot by Crittenden but the effort flew over as the half came to a close with the Terras in command.

At the start of the second period Northwich continued to struggle for ideas as McCallum threatened again with a header, which fell wide after a free kick from Vernazza.

It looked just a matter of time until Weymouth added a second. Coutts had a goal-bound strike from 20 yards blocked by a defender in the six-yard box before Connett denied Louis with a smart save to his right.

Bernard and Crittenden were the next two to try their luck with shots without success but the Terras did not have to wait much longer for their dominance to pay off again.

The second finally came on 59 minutes thanks to more fine work by McCallum whose quick feet and fine cross from the left caused Strong to stretch and divert the ball towards his own goal. Connett saved but Louis was on hand to finish the rebound from two yards.

McCallum was denied a brace by Connett, Robinson shot over from 14 yards and substitute Douglas went close in the latter stages of the game but the damage had already been done in what was a much-needed win for the home side.