Tully's out
By Matt Pitman

Tuesday 15th February 2005

STEVE Tully will miss the bulk of Weymouth's Conference South promotion push through injury.

The talented defender fractured a metatarsal bone in his right foot during Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Redbridge.

Tully, who has just returned to the Terras play-off chasing side after withdrawing a recent transfer request, is set to be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Boss Steve Johnson said: "He's definitely out for the next four weeks but we've been warned it's more likely to be six.

"Injuries like this can happen at any time and Steve suffered his when he went to kick the ball up at Redbridge but caught a boot of an opponent.

"He was hobbling for a while and so we got his foot x-rayed after the match. We've taken a look at the pictures and unfortunately it shows he has fractured a metatarsal bone.

"Steve had a plaster put on his foot yesterday which will be on for the next few days and then he'll have to start doing light exercises before resuming training in four to six weeks."

Tully's injury is now expected to give an extended run in the side to Mark Boyce who netted his first goal since joining the club in Essex last Saturday.

Johnson said: "Mark is a player I know I depend on giving 100 per cent every week and I've got no doubts over his ability which is why he was one of my first signings for the club last November.

"He looked lively when coming off the bench at Redbridge and scoring his first Weymouth goal will obviously boost his confidence.

"The injury to Steve Tully means it's likely Mark will get a longer run in the side and I'm sure he'll take that chance over the next four to six weeks."

Meanwhile Johnson has praised substitutes Kieren Keane and Darren Wheeler after their impressive late cameo appearances at Redbridge.

He said: "Kieren and Darren both did really well when they came on at Redbridge and gave us a bit of extra spark and invention.

"I was particularly impressed with Kieren who gave us a bit of extra bite in the midfield holding role.

"He has been a bit unlucky with injury since arriving at the club but the times that he has played has shown he can make a big impact here.

"Both Kieren and Darren's performances have certainly given me something to think about with regards team selection at home to Lewes on Saturday."