Hutchinson gets boost from Collier
By Adam Summers

Wednesday 4th August 2010

FORMER Bath City midfielder Lee Collier impressed for the Terras last night as they captured a 1-0 win at Hamworthy United in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

The 30-year-old, who has trialled at Dorchester Town this summer, showed all his experience in the encounter and boss Ian Hutchinson is hoping to take another look at him on Saturday when the Magpies visit the Bob Lucas Stadium for an eagerly anticipated local derby.

He said: “Lee, who was at Tiverton Town last season, played in the centre of the park and showed that little bit of quality. He set the tempo for the game and hopefully we will get to have another look at him at the weekend.”

Another midfielder that impressed was Bradley MacGookin, who netted the game’s only goal in the first half with a sensational lob from 45 yards that caught the Hammers’ keeper stranded off his line.

Hutchinson added: “It was a fantastic bit of vision and skill. To spot the keeper off the line and execute the lob like he did was superb. And I think that shows the confidence that is now starting to show in these players.

“We had half a dozen players out there who were playing in the Dorset Premier League last season and they worked really hard and began to produce the things that we want them to do.

“The tempo was much better and overall I think the performance proved what they can do when they listen and take on board what we say.

“Hamworthy are a decent Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division outfit and the way we approached the game on a difficult playing surface was very pleasing.”

Lewis Whyton, who played the full 90 minutes, also gained praise from Hutchinson. He said: “Lewis put in a great shift. Like Sam Charles, he is a strong lad who certainly has something about him.”

Terras: Manley (Weeks 70), Oldring, Vincent, Welch, Dixon, MacGookin (Reiffer 60), Min-Kim (McKechnie 80), Collier (Litherland 75), Whyton, Charles (Kemble 55), Halloran (Biffington 60).

* Portland United beat Dorset Senior League outfit Weymouth Sports 4-0 in a pre-season friendly last night.

Adam Linaker bagged a hat-trick for the Blues with Liam Beades completing the tally.

Stuart Heath’s men play their final warm-up game on Saturday when they travel to face Matty Hale’s Team Bath outfit (1pm).