It all ends in cheers for Terras supporters
By Harry Walton

Tuesday 15th November 2005

A TERRA COTTA tide of FA Cup hopes poured into the Wessex Stadium last night to
cheer on Weymouth in their epic battle against Nottingham Forest.

The first round replay gained through skipper Andy Harris's headed equaliser at Nottingham was a sell-out and the little Dorset ground was left bulging at the seams as more than 6,500 fans packed in to see their heroes.

So huge was the crowd that gates opened more than three hours before kick-off in an attempt to prevent a logjam of supporters, but the first chorus of Molly Malone had been belted out just after 5pm.

When the fans did start to pour into the ground it was to a fanfare of cheers, chanting and trumpets complete with scarves, wacky and colourful hair-dos and blasts from air horns.

Millionaire chairman Martyn Harrison enjoyed an hour helping stewards direct fans to the turnstiles and in the vanguard were Ryan Asman, Tony Sapsford, Natasha Smith and Owen Morris, all 15 and all from Weymouth.

Ryan said: "I am really looking forward to the match.

"I was at Forest and I hope we get the same atmosphere here."

Tony said Weymouth deserved to get a replay and Owen pointed out that the atmosphere was building even two hours before kick-off.

Natasha said: "Weymouth owe everything to me because every match I have seen this season they have never lost. I am really confident and I think they are going to win. Go Weymouth!"

An electric atmosphere built up before kick-off with a pristine pitch surrounded by a sea of painted faces, fuzzy hair, flags, scarves, beating drums and blaring trumpets.

A deafening roar welcomed the Terras on to the pitch under a cloud of balloons and by half-time Weymouth were scenting victory after enjoying the better of the fIrst half and hitting a post.

Chris Moscrop from Weymouth said: "I thought Weymouth were brilliant. I just can't believe how well we are playing.

The build-up to when we hit the post was a genuine class move.

"Win or lose Weymouth have done themselves proud."

Sadly it was not to be and the Terras lost 2-0 before their adoring fans who gave them a standing ovation at the end of the game.

Brendan McNulty; wife Pauline and sons Brendan, nine, and Shay; six, felt Weymouth had the potential to go on and win 3-0 if they scored early.

But Brendan was still supportive in defeat and said: "They have done brilliantly and Sky's television coverage of the tie will really put us on the map." Liam Thorne, 10, of Emmadale Road, Weymouth, was also cheering Weymouth on.

He said: "I'm a bit gutted that they have lost but they did their best."

Clive and Steve Parker from Weymouth were in full FA Cup regalia complete-with fuzzy hair and painted faces.

Clive said: "We had a good time and it was Steve's first ever FA Cup tie." Wheelchair-bound Steve said: "We lost but we have all the videos to prove we have been there."

Jordan Wilson, 12, from Portland, said the cup tie atmosphere had been great, while Tom Taylor, 12, from Littlemoor, Weymouth, said: "I am not too disappointed that they lost because they had done so well to get here."

Luke Limbach, 13, from Dorchester said: "It was very exciting. The crowd was amazing. Everyone just shouted and cheered the team on.

"I am disappointed they lost, but they did very well. Next year I hope they will go a round further."

Brian Hewson from Portland said: "They tried their best but the difference in class told in the end. If Chukki's shot had gone in who knows. Never mind, we still have the league and trophy to concentrate on."

Martyn Harrison said after the match: "They were not quite good enough and it was not to be, but it was a great occasion.

"Forest realised that they had to step up a gear in the second half and they did.
It was just a great day, to get the number of people in that we did, and £200,000 is a nice little bonus from the two games."

If every Weymouth fan treasured every minute of the game then spare a thought for the streaker who galloped on clutching a plastic dolphin in the second half.

He was chased, caught and frogmarched off to a derisive tannoy comment: "Obviously a very cold night!"

Martyn Harrison said: "I am not so sure about the streaker. I would have preferred a woman but there you are!"

And as the last fans and cars slowly left a litter-strewn Wessex Stadium, police said that they were delighted to have only made five arrests, three for pitch invasions and two for public order offences.