Hale's double swoop
By Ky Capel

Wednesday 29th July 2009

WEYMOUTH boss Matty Hale has secured the signings of Matt Townley and Matt Groves ahead of tonight’s clash with Exeter City (7.45pm).

Former Team Bath full-back Townley and ex-Bristol Rovers forward Groves have both penned one-year deals and will line up for the Terras against the League One Grecians in what will be the final pre-season friendly at the Wessex Stadium.

Of his latest acquisitions, Hale said: “Matt Townley and Matt Groves have both now signed for us and they will give us good competition for places.

“Townley played at Team Bath last season and has recently been on trial at Worcester City while Groves used to be at Bristol Rovers and can play in a number of positions, namely right midfield and up front.

“We’ve now got a squad of lads who are either signed or that we’re looking to sign so the group that will play tonight will be in and around the squad that travels to Lewes for the first game of the season.

“And tonight will be the last chance for many of our fans to see the players in action before the season starts. ”

With four of his summer signings ruled out through injury, left-back Hale is also set to feature this evening, alongside trialist striker Tom Piotrowski and new loan signing Ryan Gazet Du Chattelier.

He added: “We’ve got Andy Harris, Hector Mackie, Dean Smith and Martin Slocombe all out tonight so I’ll be in the squad and I may have to play at some point. It’s not ideal but we haven’t got too many options.”

Exeter, who achieved back-to-back promotions last term, were in action at Salisbury City last night. Therefore Hale is expecting to see a mixture of faces from the Devon outfit’s first team and reserves turn out at the Wessex tonight.

He said: “It’s a massive test for us, which is a good thing, and it’s about how we cope with it. As with the Bristol City friendly, it’ll be a good running exercise but we’ve got to show better organisation than we have done recently.”

Following the visit of Exeter, the Terras close their pre-season programme with a trip to Paulton Rovers on Friday night after cancelling Monday’s date with Bitton AFC.

Hale added: “With the way things are we can’t afford to take any more injuries so we’ve cancelled the Bitton game. However, we’ve now got two games left to improve our shape and organisation.”

Terras (from): Harrison, Townley, Brice, Critchell, Rose, Hale, Preston, Thorne, Metters, Groves, Grubb, Du Chattelier, Piotrowski, Cooper, Harpnutt, Lamb, Reiffer, Bennett.