Terras can do it!
By Paul Baker

Saturday 12th November 2005

Robbie Pethick is tipping Weymouth to produce a memorable giant-killing against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

The ex-Terra reckons Garry Hill's men will beat the former double European Cup winners in front of the Sky
cameras at the Wessex Stadium.

Pethick, now at Havant and Waterlooville, said: "You've got to fancy Weymouth now and I really hope they do it. It will be great for the team, the fans and the club, and for the Conference South league in general.

"I watched the highlights of the first game and thought Andy Harris' goal was an absolute cracker. From what I saw Weymouth didn't look out of place at all and Forest will dread going to the Wessex Stadium.

"For them, going to Weymouth will now be like playing against a team from a higher level. Believe me, I've been there with Portsmouth and Brighton and there's nothing pleasant about it.

`As Football League players, you're expected to wipe the floor with non-League opponents but it rarely happens. You're on a hiding to nothing. If you win, so what? If you lose then there's hell to pay!

"I know which side of the fence I'd rather be on, that's for certain."

Having regularly been involved in live televised matches since being snapped up by Pompey during the first of two spells with the Terras in the early 90s, Pethick reckons the glare of the spotlight will make no difference to his former team mates.

"Garry Hill's been around a long time and he'll make sure the players forget all about the cameras," said the ex-Bristol Rovers defender.

"A minute into the game they won't even notice the cameras are there so there'll be none of this stage fright
nonsense or freezing on the big occasion.

"Same goes for Forest. Their only thought regarding the cameras is that they could be humiliated in front of hundreds of thousands, rather than just those who are there on the night."

While having no regrets about leaving Weymouth for Havant in October last year, Pethick admits he would quite fancy a crack at Gary Megson's side on Monday.

"I enjoyed my last spell at Weymouth and have nothing but respect and admiration for what Martyn Harrison is doing down there," he added. "I don't have any regrets about joining Havant although I must admit a cup run like this does make you a little jealous.

"I still keep in touch with a few of the boys, particularly Shaun Wilkinson and I was straight on the phone to congratulate him after I caught the result on Saturday.

"I wish him and the boys all the best an Monday. I'll be glued to my television cheering them to victory."