New-look Terras begin with a win
By Adam Summers

WEYMOUTH boss John Hollins saw his new look side kick-off their pre-season programme with four second-half goals at Grove Corner.

Portland made life difficult for the Terras in the first half but once new-signing Pierre Joseph-Dubois opened the scoring six minutes after the break the Blue Square Premier outfit found their rhythm.

Eight minutes later Lewis Whyton was harshly judged to have fouled Cameron Mawer in the box allowing Stuart Beavon to double the advantage from the spot before Kevin Sandwith netted a stunning strike from 25 yards to make it 3-0.

Hollins said: "We have a lot of new players and we are in the process of finding a new way of playing so I was happy with how things went.

"In the first half the ball got stuck under our feet a bit, which was understandable with it being our first friendly, but we still created lots of chances without finishing anything.

"Once the first goal went in we then started to look a lot stronger but full credit to Portland because they kept going and created five or six shots on goal which we handled well.

"The fact we finished strong and scored four good goals made it a pleasing opening game but the next one is a big one.

"It will be just as tough on Wednesday but for different reasons. Bristol Rovers will want to keep the ball and we are going to have to work extremely hard to get it back."

Trialist keeper Martin Horsell impressed Hollins who also saw defender Adam Bygrave come off after just six minutes after receiving a whack in the face.

The Terras' boss added: "I thought Horsell did very well. He was very positive in everything he did and his handling was also assured. As for Bygrave, he suffered a whack on the nose but he is fine "Beavon looks sharp and Dubois has got a lot of pace which makes a difference. James Coutts was also lively and Ryan Williams was a bag of tricks.

"I also thought Santos Gaia did well at the back. Not only is he strong and good in the air but he is good on the ball as well. The way he switched the play at times and pinged 50-yard passes into feet was excellent and that is something that we needed to add to the team."

As for Portland, not only did they acquit themselves well but they also benefited financially thanks to a fantastic attendance of 503.

The Dorset Premier League outfit's boss Dave Kiteley said: "To see a crowd of over 500 here was excellent and it was massive for the club. As for the playing side of things I thought we did well.

"It would have been nice to have had a full complement of players but it gave me the chance to give some of the younger lads a chance and they stood up to it well.

"Losing Andy Perkins to injury after just four minutes was a massive blow but Adam Anstey came on and for a lad who has not played for the first team for over a season I thought he acquitted himself superbly.

"In the first half we worked hard and had a good shape about us. We also expressed ourselves when we won possession and made two or three chances.

"Matt Jones then came on at half time and produced some good link up play but in the end I think fitness told.

"The penalty they got was harsh but for us it is not about the scoreline. We knew we would be without the ball for long periods but we kept going and overall it was a great night for the club."

As well as Horsell, Weymouth also gave run outs to young goalkeeper Jamie Beale and Ben Reiffer. Midfielder Marcus Biles was also included in the squad but was an unused substitute.