Plenty of positives for Hill
By Nigel Biddlecombe

Tuesday 12th July 2005

WEYMOUTH boss Garry Hill was in positive mood today, despite seeing his side crash to a heavy defeat last night.

The Terras began their pre-season tour of Ireland by going down 4-0 to UEFA Cup hopefuls Drogheda United at United Park.

"The result really isn't important," said Hill. "We didn't come to Ireland just to win matches. We came here because it's right in the middle of the Irish football season and we wanted to be playing against strong opponents.

"Drogheda are a full-time club who are currently fourth in Ericom League and chasing UEFA qualification, and so in context, it's not a bad result. What's more important is the performance and I thought we played well.

"Late in the first half and early in the second, we dominated the game and certainly there were plenty of positives to be pleased about."

He added: "It was a good work- out against good opposition and that's what pre-season tours are all about. It's all part of a very busy programme to make sure we're spot on for the start of the Conference South."

Hill, who used 18 players yesterday, confirmed that all his travelling squad would get at least 90 minutes of football during the tour.

He added: "Dave Waterman is on compassionate leave at the moment while trialist Shaun Carey is still recovering after a cruciate ligament injury. Other than that, everyone is fit and available and they will all get 90 minutes of football while on tour.

"Our second game is against Shamrock Rovers tomorrow and so those who didn't start last night will start then.

"Shaun Carey is here and has been training hard and it might be that he'll be in a position to play a part tomorrow as well."