Matthews ban gives Ramos derby chance
By Paul Baker

Tuesday 21st December 2004

STEVE Johnson won't appealing against the dismissal of Jason Matthews at Bishop's Stortford ten days ago.

The Terras boss made his decision after study video evidence of goalkeeper's sending off.

Matthews was given marching orders for handling outside his area just 15 minutes into the 2-0 victory
Woodside Park.

Johnson said: "At the time thought the decision was a little dubious and that's why I wanted to study the video.

I wasn't certain that Jason had actually handled the ball and I I also didn't think he was the last man as the referee claimed.

"Having watched it I'm now happy that the ref made right decision because the film clearly show Jason touching the ball although it certainly wasn't deliberate.

"Also it shows that Mark Boyce was actually the last man but I've no complaints about the decision."

Matthews' sending means he will now miss the derby clash with Dorchester at the Avenue Stadium on Boxing Day with Portugual gloveman Francisco Ramos line to replace him.

"We've not actually heard from the FA yet," explained Johnson, "but we are expecting Jason to be banned for Dorchester match on Sunday.

It may be that because of Christmas post the paperwork has been delayed.

"Francisco will be the man to replace him and I've got no problems about throwing him in for what is a real pressure occasion.

He's big, strong and has waited patiently for his chance and I really hope he takes it.

"Him and Jason are good friends and look after each other and I know Jason will be the first to offer Francisco his support.

We're lucky to have two good goalkeepers on our books and there's healthy rivalry between them."

Contacts

Meanwhile Johnson revealed there might be another new face in the Weymouth squad at the Avenue Stadium although he refused to name names.

He added: "We're really down to the bare bones in terms of numbers and so I'm looking to bring a couple more in.

Nathan Bunce is the latest player to part company with us and so we've lost him, Lee Charles and Paul Gibbs over the past week.

"I've got one or two lads in mind but at this stage I don't want to say any more.

I'm talking to contacts every day about potential signings and I'm confident of getting someone in by Boxing Day"