Monday 28th November 2005

SHAUN Wilkinson says he gained little pleasure from helping dump former club Havant and Waterlooville out of the FA Trophy.

The battling midfielder, who joined Weymouth from the Hawks in 2003, opened the scoring in the Terras
2-1 third qualifying round win at the Wessex Stadium.

But Wilkinson played down his goalscoring effort and claimed he had nothing to prove to his old employers.

He told Echosport: "It was nice to open the scoring and I guess the fact it was against Havant was a little sweeter.

"But I don't take any major satisfaction from the fact it was against Havant because I've got nothing to prove to them.

"There's no bad feeling between me and Havant, certainly not on my part, and I get on well with quite a few people associated with them.

"I don't get too many goals so I was just pleased to contribute to what was an important win after a couple of weeks without a game."

Wilkinson, who has gone from zero to hero at Radipole Lane inside a year, credited his impressive form on returning to full-time football. ,

He was shipped out on loan by former boss Steve Johnson last season following an alleged spitting incident involving a Terras fan.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion youngster was later given a second chance by current boss Garry Hill.

"I didn't have the best of times when I joined Weymouth, initially under Steve Claridge and then Steve Johnson who I didn't really get on with," he said.

"He sent me back to Havant on loan this time last year and while there I was sent off twice and injured my ankle which put me out for two months.

"It wasn't a great time for me but then Garry Hill arrived at Weymouth who is a proper football person and I was given a fresh start.

"Since then my career has improved no end and I feel much happier. A big reason for the turnaround is because I'm now back in full-time training, like at Brighton.

"When I joined Weymouth, I was working during the day for a building firm, then travelling down for training when all I wanted to do was rest.

"But now I can concentrate on my fitness and just think about football which suits me down to the ground."

Weymouth are in today's first round draw after a battling success over the high-flying Hawks.

Havant substitute Byron Harrison cancelled out Wilkinson's early strike before Terras substitute Craig O'Connor sealed victory late on.

Boss Garry Hill, who resisted the temptation to rest many first teamers, said: "We weren't at our best and seemed a little flat but the main thing is we won and got a game under our belts after a couple of weeks without a competitive match.

"Beating Havant is no easy feat, they've been on an excellent run and are probably the best side we've faced at home this season.

"Our keeper Jason Matthews was fantastic and made some crucial saves at important times.

"But overall I'm pleased and it sets us up nicely for the important league game at Cambridge City tomorrow night."

A minute's applause was held i before the game in memory of ' Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend George Best.