Goal-hero Thomas banned
By Matt Pitman

Monday 10th January 2005

DEFENDER Bradley Thomas fired Weymouth to victory on his Terras debut at Carshalton Athletic.

But the Peterborough United loanee suffered mixed fortunes at Colston Avenue.

The Jamaican under-23 international picked up his fifth booking of the season and now faces a one-match ban for Weymouth's big home game with play-off rivals Thurrock on January 22.

But boss Steve Johnson wasn't letting that worry him after watching his charges continue their unbeaten start to the New Year.

He said: "It was a really important win, continues our good little run and means we're right on the heels of the teams in the play-offs.

"It wasn't a pretty game to watch because the conditions made life hard for both teams and chances were few and far between.

"But we dug in, battled hard, did what was needed and got what could prove to be a crucial victory.

"I'm pleased Bradley got the winner because it was an impressive debut by him.

"He looked really solid at the back and it was just a shame he was booked in the first half, meaning he misses our next game against Thurrock.

"At the moment he's with us for an initial month but a few more performances like that and we'll have to sit down and try and sort out something long term."

Crucial

Johnson also hailed 17-year-old defender Charlie Welch after another good showing by the Yeovil Town youngster who is set to sign permanently at the Wessex Stadium later this month.

"Charlie was magnificent today and made a couple of really important tackles and blocks at crucial times," he said.

"He is a kid who plays without fear and the day Yeovil are knocked out of the FA Youth Cup, meaning Charlie officially becomes our player, can't come soon enough.

"Aside from Charlie, the other lads at the back also played well and everyone worked hard to secure the win.

"It was nice getting a clean-sheet and a few more of those won't go amiss between now and the end of the
season."

Meanwhile Johnson is pondering whether to up his bid to Conference South rivals Lewes for midflelder Paul Kennett.

The Terras have already had one offer turned down for the former Brighton and Hove Albion trainee, believed to be in the region of £3,000.

Johnson said: "Paul's a player I like a lot and I'm considering whether to make another offer for him."

Lewes boss Steve King said: "His price is not open to negotiation.

Why would we want to lose one of our better players and make another team in our league stronger".