Matthews out to chop down Forest
By Matt Pitman

Thursday 10th November 2005

JASON Matthews believes Weymouth's team-spirit will lead them to FA Cup glory over Nottingham Forest.

The Terras goalkeeper was one of the stars of last weekend's 1-1 draw at the City Ground, making a string of fine saves to earn himself an FA Player of the Round nomination.

And the former Exeter City is ready to do it all again in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Monday night.

He said: "I've been fortunate to have played in front of big crowds before but the City Ground game was certainly the most memorable.

"Before then my moment of fame came playing for Exeter City against Everton in the third round in front of the Match of the Day cameras.

"I was fortunate enough to have a good performance that day as we earned a 0-0 draw before we lost in the replay.

"Another big game in my past also came for Exeter City when we played in front of a packed house at Bristol City's Ashton Gate in the Auto Windscreens Shield.

"They were both great occasions but there's no doubt in my mind that Forest was better.

"The atmosphere from the Weymouth fans was incredible. At times, when all the Terras supporters were sat behind me in the first half, I couldn't hear myself think.

"It was a great day and something I'm very proud to have been involved with.

"The key to such a good result was team-spirit which is why, on a personal level, the draw at the City Ground meant more to me than the Exeter game all those years ago.

"Under our manager Garry Hill, we've grown into a really close-knit bunch at Weymouth who will work extremely hard for each other on the pitch and I'm sure that will serve us well in the replay.

"Weymouth have gone so long without success, so occasions like these games against Forest mean more for the town when they come along.

Short-list

"But all the players know we're not going to win the FA Cup. We can't get distracted from our Conference South league campaign and I'm certain we won't."

Electrician Matthews is one of only two Terras players still part-time, the other is midfielder Ian Hutchinson who is currently out on loan at Tiverton Town.

He's now on a shortlist of five for the FA award, the others are Northwich Victoria's Paul Brayson, Burscough's Karl Bell, Colchester United's Mark Yeates and Stevenage Borough's George Boyd.

The winner receives a VIP place at the FA Cup final next May and £1,000 of football kit for a local school, club or organisation.

Another Weymouth player nominated for an award is consistent striker Kirk Jackson for the Nationwide Conference South player of the month.

He is up against former Terra Luke Nightingale of Bognor Regis Town, Welling United's Danny Kedwell, Lewes's Gavin Holligan and Havant and Water-looville's Rocky Baptiste.

Fans can vote for Matthews until 9am on Monday by visiting www.thefa.com and Jackson at www.footballconference.co.uk

Meanwhile Football League official Ray Olivier from the West Midlands has been appointed referee for Monday night's televised replay at the Wessex Stadium.

Assistant referees will be G D Scott and M G West, while S J Tanner has been named fourth official.