Bring it on
by David Swain & Matt Pitman

Friday 24th December 2004

BASQUE midfielder Joseba Barandiaran believes Dorchester's team spirit will carry them through to victory in Sunday's big local derby (3pm).

And the 27-year-old Spaniard, who was turned down by Terras former boss Steve Claridge after trialing at the Wessex Stadium in the summer, says Weymouth's defenders should be "very fearful" of the Magpies high-scoring attack.

"When I came here all the people told me that Boxing Day and New Year's Day were the best matches of the year and after experiencing the FA Cup tie in October, I'm very excited about playing in the match on
Sunday," he said.

"I played in one game back in Spain when it was to change levels and the crowd was about 4,000, but it was in the Second Division and in Spain most people are only concerned with the premier league.

"I think for me this game will be much better because here the supporters live it differently.

They are more passionate about their football and that will make Sunday's game much more exciting."

Barandiaran said his team-mates were confident they could win the game and take revenge for their 1-0 FA Cup defeat at the Avenue Stadium.

"We have only positive thoughts in our heads," he said. "We have been training very hard, we all believe we can win and we have a good ambience in the team.

"We all work closely together as a group and I think that can be more important than having the most expensive players, just look at Everton in the Premiership.

We have been playing together as a team for most of the season whereas Weymouth have almost a whole
new team since I was there in August.

That will not make it easy for them now, but I think they will get better in the second half of the season.

"We also have some very good strikers so the defenders of Weymouth need to be very worried."

Barandiaran, whose girlfriend is over from Spain to spend Christmas with him, said he is now getting used to the different style of football in England and believes his game has improved in several respects.

"It is quicker and you have to decide what to do faster because you are not given as much time with the ball," he explained.

"It is also more strong and the referees let more things go.

In Spain they get out the red card much quicker.

"I am mainly an attacking midfielder but Iam trying to improve my defending and my team-mates tell me I am getting better at it.

"I spoke to Jamie Brown about this and he said to me I have to be stronger in the tackle."

Although he stressed that he is very happy at Dorchester where everyone has made him welcome, he does envy the success of his fellow countryman and former Magpies team-mate Juan Ugarte in winning a contract at Coca-Cola League Wrexham.


his team-mates we win the game an 1-0 FA Cup defeat positive thoughts.

Although he stressed that he is very happy at Dorchester where everyone has made him welcome, he does envy the success of his fellow countryman and former Magpies team-mate Juan Ugarte in winning a contract at Coca-Cola League Wrexham.

"I speak to him often and he is having a great time," he added.

"He says the Football League is amazing and I would one day like to follow him."

But for now beating Weymouth on Sunday - and putting one over on his landlord, Terras Director Tristan Murless - is his goal.

Recovery


Meanwhile winger Adam Wilde is set to return for Weymouth.

The former Worcester star looks like shrugging off a groin injury in time for the big Avenue Stadium clash.

And Terras head coach Steve Johnson revealed the 25-year-old's recovery is a major hot in the arm.

He said: "Adam is a key player for us and it has a real blow when he suffered a groin train a week or so ago because he has been in sensational form recently.

'"He's been playing with confidence and is exactly the sort of tricky wide player every successful team needs.

"Losing him ahead of the Margate gamewas frustrating because we missed his presence in that game last weekend when we struggled and only drew.

"Initially we were unsure how long he would be out for because groin strains can sometimes take time to recover from.

"But the good news is that it looks like Adam has made a speedy recovery and will be okay to play against Dorchester.

We'll give him a fitness test to check he is definitely right.

But assuming his passes that, it's great news that he's back for such an important game when he can make himself a hero."

Johnson reckons Terras fans are starting to see the best of Wilde following his summer move from the Midlands.

The midfielder suffered a frustrating first few months at the Wessex Stadium after suffering a groin
injury in pre-season.

But Johnson's arrival as head coach in November sparked an up-turri in fortunes for the former England semi-professional international.

"Adam is the sort of lad who sometimes needs an arm around him to boost his confidence," said Johnson.

"Since I joined the club his form has been excellent and I think he's been helped by having someone like Kirk Jackson up front, who he can send crosses over for."