Wayward Terras

Monday 3rd January 2005

Poor finishing costs Weymouth derby day revenge

Frustrated Steve Johnson bemoaned Weymouth's finishing after being forced to settle for a draw in the return Dorset derby.

In-form striker Matt Groves fired Dorchester in front at the Wessex Stadium, with his fourth strike against the Terras over the festive period.

But Kirk Jackson earned a share of the spoils for the hosts with a coolly taken equaliser later in front of a bumber New Year's Day crowd.

The point may have salvaged some pride for Weymouth following their Boxing Day mauling in the county town, but the Terras boss was far from satisfied.

Johnson, whose side host Hayes today (3pm), said: "I'm pleased that we got a bit of pride back but we should have won the game quite comfortably.

"We had at least three good chances before Dorchester scored and the game should have been dead and buried by then.

"We played the better football in difficult conditions and it was the first time in weeks that we got lots of crosses in which is what I want.

"But we failed to take advantage of them and paid the price when Groves scored.

"He had hardly a sniff all afternoon, thanks to some good defending, so that was a big blow to us.

"But I've got to give credit to my players because they dug deep, responded well to that setback, and Kirk deservedly equalised soon after."

He added: "I'm frustrated at the moment. We've got to start being more clinical in front of goal, that goes for the whole team not just the strikers.

"Once we start doing that, all these draws will become wins and suddenly the league table will be looking brighter.

"I'm fed up with 0-0s and tight, scrappy games. I'd rather go out there and have a 5-4 every week because we can't afford any more draws."

"But I'm not going to hammer the players because their attitude was much better and the overall performance was much improved from Boxing Day."

Goalkeeper Jason Matthews is set to return between the sticks for Weymouth against Hayes today.

He missed the two festive derbies through suspension and his place on New Year's Day went to former Worthing player Matthew May.

Johnson explained: "Matthew is a mate of mine who used to play for Worthing but is unattached at the moment.

"I couldn't get a loan deal set up in time so Matthew kindly agreed to help us out and did okay.

"It was a one off favour for me and Jason will be back in goal for the Hayes game.