Matthews fights to keep his place
By Matt Pitman

Friday 29th July 2005

JASON Matthews has admitted he is `desperate' to keep his place as Weymouth's number one goalkeeper.

Boss Garry Hill has preferred summer signing Aaron Lee-Barrett between the sticks during most of Terras' warm up campaign so far.

Matthews is likely to get another chance to impress at Portland United tonight (7.30pm) and the former Salisbury City star wants to use the opportunity to help him retain his position in Hill's side.

He told Echosport: "Aaron was signed during the summer and I'm really enjoying the competition from him.

"He is an excellent keeper and has started most of the pre season games and is obviously looking to start in goal on opening day. But like any player, I'm desperate to be in the team to face Havant and Waterlooville on August 13 and I still want to be Weymouth's number one.

"All I can do is try and impress when I get the chance to play, like hopefully at Portland tonight, and fingers crossed that will be enough to persuade Garry Hill that I'm good enough for the job."

Matthews, who along with midfielder Ian Hutchinson are the only part-time members of the Terras' squad, backed the appointment of new goal-keeping coach Stuart Murdoch.

He said: "At the moment I'm training twice a week with the side but I'm hoping my work commitments will allow that to increase in the coming months.

"Pre-season training up at Redlands with the lads has been really impressive and, on a personal note, it's been great working and getting specialist knowledge from Stuart."

Hill is likely to field a strong side at Grove Corner tonight, using many of the players who did not start against Brentford last Tuesday.

Strikers Dan Webb and Chukki Eribenne will undergo late fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Blues' chairman Pete Turrell today described the visit of the Terras as a `massive night' for the islanders.

He said: "Facing Weymouth is also a great occasion but I'm sure tonight will be even more special because of the standard of side we're likely to face.

"It'll be a super challenge for our lads and we're really grateful to Weymouth for coming over to play tonight."