Bring 'em On
By Matt Pitman

Monday 7th November 2005

WEYMOUTH returned from mighty Nottingham Forest as heroes after earning a sensational 1-1 FA Cup first round draw at the City Ground.

Midfielder Andy Harris's second half equaliser sent more than 1,800 Terras fans into raptures as manager Garry Hill's stars held the double European Cup winners.

And another bumper payday is on the cards with the replay, taking place either next Monday or Tuesday, expected to be screened live on television.

The result, against the Coca Cola League One giants, is arguably the best in Weymouth's 115-year history.

Chairman Martyn Harrison, who through his Hollybush Hotels firm has bankrolled the Terras, celebrated on the pitch following the match.

He said: ".This has been a wonderful occasion for the club and to get a draw is fantastic.

".I'm a proud man and the scenes at the end with all our fans celebrating will stay with me for a long time.

"They have waited many years for success, our previous first round appearance was 20 years ago. Now we've come to the double European Cup winnersl and got a draw.

"Days like today mean a lot to so many people and I was determined to make the most of the result.

"Running down from the directors' box on to the pitch was something which just seemed right.

"The manager Garry Hill and the players deserved the result and I wanted to enjoy the occasion with them."

Supporters Club chairman Nigel Beckett, who has watched the Terras for over 40 years, joined Harrison and the team in the pitch celebrations.

He said: ".We've gone through so many highs and lows over the years, so this achievement is very emotional for me."

Weymouth earned an estimated £40,000 from the trip to Nottingham.

The Conference South club is set for another cash windfall from the replay, with a decision on possible live television coverage due to be made shortly.

If the match is screened, the Terras will receive a £100,000 bonus and another £16,000 in prize money should they topple Forest.

A trip to Coca Cola League Two high flyers Chester City awaits the winners in round two.

Tickets for the replay will go on sale at the Wessex Stadium at 2pm tomorrow.

Harrison added: ".By getting a replay we're in line for another major financial boost.

"The match will be on Monday or Tuesday, depending on whether it is screened on television.

"The Wessex can hold 6,500 people and Forest will have an allocation of around 900.

"The remaining tickets will go on sale from 2pm tomorrow with season ticket holders getting priority."