Ultimate test for Terras
By Adam Summers

Tuesday 24th August 2010

IAN Hutchinson reckons his side will face the “ultimate test” tonight when they travel to high-flying Salisbury City in the Zamaretto Premier Divis-ion (7.45pm).

The second-placed Whites have claimed seven points from their opening three games and are many people’s favourite to seal an instant return to Blue Square Bet South at the first time of asking.

But despite the odds being stacked against the Terras, they will still travel to the Raymond McEnhill Stadium in upbeat mood according to Hutchinson, following three successive stalemates.

The Weymouth boss said: “Tonight is going to be the ultimate test. Salisbury are one of the favourites for promotion, they are full-time and their budget is triple what we are on. So we will go into the game as massive underdogs but the fact we are still unbeaten means we will also go there in upbeat mood.”

Three players that will definitely have to be at their best for the Terras this evening are keeper Tom Manley, and the centre-back pairing of Ben Gerring and Sam Clarke, who have so far impressed.

However, City will no doubt give the trio their most thorough examination yet after already netting eight times this campaign through the likes of ex-Southampton striker Kayne McLaggon, former Torquay United hitman Ben Joyce, skipper Chris Giles and player-manager Darrell Clarke.

Hutchinson, whose side are also likely to face ex-Terra Brian Dutton and one-time Dorchester Town trialist Charlie Knight, added: “It is a huge challenge, not just for those three players, but for the whole side. And that is what most of the lads signed up for, to pit their wits against better players week in, week out.

“So far we have built a solid base at the back, which is something to build on, but we have just got to take each game as it comes and keep our feet firmly on the ground.

“It is about hard work. So far all the lads have given us 110 per cent, which is exactly what we expect of them, and I am sure they will give their all again tonight when we will have to be on our mettle and at our best to come away with something.”

Weymouth will be boosted this evening by the return to full fitness of Matt Oldring. The full back took a seat on the bench in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Oxford City after suffering a knock in last Thursday’s clash against Swindon Supermarine.

Hutchinson said: “Matt is back fit and Ben is 100 per cent now after suffering from illness late last week. He was struggling after 10 minutes on Saturday but be kept going and ended up playing the full game, which says a lot about the lad.”

Terras (from): Manley, Weeks, Carroll, Oldring, McGuinness, Gerring, Clarke, Dixon, Mawer, Groves, Magookin, King, Radcliffe, Charles, Joseph-Dubois, Byerley, Emati-Emati.