Debut boy O'Connor enjoys a Camrose classic
By Matt Pitman

Wednesday 9th November 2005

CRAIG O'Connor enjoyed a dream debut as rampant Weymouth crushed Basingstoke Town 3-0 at the Camrose last night.

The impressive former Thurrock striker was on target as Garry Hill's men stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games and moved up to seventh in Conference South.

Brian Dutton and Matt Bound got the other goals in front of watching Nottingham Forest manager Gary Megson.

And O'Connor, top scorer for Maidenhead United last season, revealed he turned down offers from two Conference National clubs to go full-time with the Terras.

He told Echosport: "I really enjoyed my debut and getting a goal was great. Playing at a club like Weymouth is a big challenge and something I'm look ing forward to.

"I left Thurrock a couple of weeks ago because 1 was having problems with travelling from my Slough home. I had a couple of offers from Conference National sides but I wasn't that enthusiastic about those moves. Then Garry Hill called me to invite me to move down full-time to Weymouth and I was instantly excited because 1 could tell of the club's long-term ambitions.

"One of the big reasons for relocating to Dorset with my family is the fact Weymouth are full-time, being in daily training will certainly help me develop as a player.

"I was a bit tired tonight - I hadn't trained or kicked a ball for a couple of weeks before this game and was starting to feel it a bit towards the end.

"I'm 25-years-old now and keen to progress as I've been knocking around in Conference South for a couple of seasons now, first at Maidenhead and since at Thurrock. 1 appreciate Weymouth have a big squad and 1 won't be starting every week but 1 honestly don't mind that fact.

"Until now I've, been living in Slough, which is not exactly the best place in the world, and I'm currently sorting out a move down to the Weymouth area."

O'Connor, who notched the Terras second at Camrose and celebrated with a couple of spectacular somersaults, says he enjoyed playing alongside fellow striker Kirk Jackson.

"Kirk's a great player who I knew about because he has plenty of non League experience," he said.

"Someone like him is my ideal partner up front, I love playing alongside big targetman and I think that showed tonight.

"Like I said though, I appreciate I won't be playing every game and just want to do my bit whenever called upon by the manager."

Having previously played in the FA Cup this season with Thurrock, O'Connor is unavailable for next Monday's FA Cup first round replay with Nottingham Forest.

"It's certainly a great time to have joined the club with all that is going on at the minute," he said.

"It would have been nice to have been involved next Monday; especially with the match live on Sky Sports, but it's just one of those things."

Boss Hill praised his players for doing a 'professional job' against Basingstoke Town.

Apart from the first 20 minutes or so, we were always in command and full credit to the players," he said.

"They came here, worked hard, scored three goals and were excellently defensively.

"Considering all the events of the last few days I don't think I could have asked for any more."