Hill set for Trophy tinker
By Matt Pitman

Friday 25th November 2005

GARRY Hill fears a prolonged FA Trophy run could scupper Weymouth's Conference South promotion hopes.

The Terras are already facing a fixture backlog and the boss has hinted he may ring the changes when Havant and Waterlooville visit the Wessex Stadium for a third qualifying round tie tomorrow (3pm).

That could mean rare starts for defender Simon Downer, winger Darren Wheeler and midfielder Tony Taggart.

Hill said: "We are taking the FA Trophy seriously this season and it's a competition I feel we can do well in.

"I am a competitive manager and want Weymouth to win every game to play, whether it's a league, cup or friendly game.

"But we're facing a busy few weeks between now and Christmas and, like I've said before, our number one priority this season is earning promotion from Conference South.

"We're four games behind the other clubs around us in the league and those games in hand could prove crucial.

"It would be no good having a run in the FA Trophy but come May being ten points off the pace in the league because the games have caught up with us.

"Having said that, I'm pleased we'll be finally playing tomorrow after what seems an age without a game.

"It's just under a fortnight since we played Nottingham Forest and the players are all desperate to get out there for a competitive match again.

"We played a behind-closed-door friendly at Exeter City earlier this week to keep everyone on their toes and that allowed me to look at a few things.

"But it'll be good to be play again in front of a big crowd tomorrow and I'm sure whoever is selected to play can get the job done."

One man who could be in for a shock recall against league rivals Hawks is veteran midfielder Ian Hutchinson who has returned from his loan spell at Tiverton Town.

"Hutch is back with us," said Hill.

"At this stage of his career he needs to be playing games and the last month at Tiverton has allowed him to do so.

"We've told Tiverton they can take Hutch again but only on a permanent deal, not loan."

Meanwhile Weymouth's hopes of having striker Wayne Purser back from injury any time soon appear slim.

The former Peterborough United has been told he needs more tests to discover the full extent of a blood clot in an eye.

Hill said: "Wayne is having regular consultations with various experts but we've been told we won't get his tests results for at least another couple of weeks.

"It's frustrating but it's important we take our time and ensure Wayne gets the right treatment."