Megson: Terras are the favourites now
By Matt Pitman

Monday 7th November 2005

FOREST boss Gary Megson today installed Weymouth as favourites to topple his Coca League One giants in the replay at the Wessex Stadium.

The under-pressure City Ground chief said: "It sounds stupid but they will be favourites on their own patch.

"Everyone will be wanting them to go through, so we have a find a way to cope.

"Weymouth played really well, especially in the second half.

"Their centre halves won everything and a neutral wouldn't have known which team was from the higher level.

"Once the equaliser went in, we became a different team. We looked panicky and nervy. We just did not do enough in the second half to win it."

Weymouth manager Garry Hill hailed his players for earning a second bite of the cherry against Forest.

He said: "It's been a great day and I'm delighted for the players, our staff, fans and everyone connected with the club.

"Our fans have waited a long time for a result like this and it's pleasing to see so many happy faces.

"I don't think Forest can have any complaints as we were well worth at least a draw.

"Even though we went behind I still fancied our chances and told the players that at half-time.

"Once we equalised the longer the game went on I felt we were going to win.

"Kirk will be disappointed to have missed his header but, at the same time, Jason Matthews made an unbelievable save to keep us level.

"Full credit to our players because they kept their shape, were in Forest's faces and denied them space to play.

"We defended really well and had a good go in the second half, mainly through our pace in wide areas."

Hill believes Weymouth are capable of beating Forest in the replay.

"Forest are inconsistent away from home and won't fancy coming down to Weymouth to play," he said. "But what's important now is that we don't get carried way by this result.

"Of course, it's great occasion but we've got two important Conference South games between now and the replay.

"We now need to focus on Basingstoke away tomorrow and Welling at home on Saturday.

"Only then can we start to prepare fully for the replay."

THE replay will be played at the Wessex Stadium on either Monday 14 or Tuesday November 15, kick off 7.45pm.

The winners face a trip to Coca Cola League Two outfit Chester City in the second round.

Hill said: "I'm not particularly interested in the draw at this stage. We've got a lot of football between now and then to be played."

Tickets for the replay are due to go on sale from 2pm tomorrow for Terras season ticket holders, priced £10 adults, £5 for children and £2 for OAPs.

WEYMOUTH have signed Thurrock striker Craig O'Connor.

The former Maidenhead United front man, who has scored seven goals in 15 Conference South games this season, joins the Wessex Stadium outfit on a short-term contract.