There were mixed fortunes for Dorset’s teams on the opening day of the season, but none were happier than The Terras, who picked up a superb 3-1 victory at Biggleswade Town.
The Terras went into the clash in confident mood following a very promising pre-season which had included wins over Truro City, Bristol City XI, Barnstable Town, and a draw with Plymouth Argyle.
But despite this, they got off to a poor start – Inih Effiong giving the Waders the lead in just the eighth minute. The Waders’ frontman could have made it two minutes later, but he could only fire over the bar.
Gradually, the Terras began to grow into the contest, and it was Jake Wannell who had Weymouth’s first real opportunity when he rose totally unmarked from a corner, but could only head over the bar.
Jevon then headed wide from a Dan Smith cross, before Smith himself burst through the home defence and forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Ian Brown, and the hosts went in a goal to the good at half time.
Weymouth came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half. Jevon let fly from 20 yards but his effort flew narrowly over the bar, before the woodwork denied Yetton his first goal of the season.
Conor Jevon thought he had equalised when he headed towards goal, but the ball was hacked off the line by a defender, despite Weymouth’s protests that the ball had crossed the line.
Yetton was replaced by new signing Sam Jordan, and his impact with instant.
He was played in by Jevon, and showed great composure to slot home to haul the Terras level on 66 minutes.
It was all one way traffic, and into the last ten minutes the Terras finally took the lead.
Charlie Davis delivered a dangerous corner, and Jake Wannell headed powerfully into the corner to send the travelling Terras fans behind the goal into delirium.
Biggleswade were unable to force one last chance for an equaliser, and Weymouth sealed all three points in style two minutes from time with Sam Jordan getting his second of the game to seal a superb away win for Weymouth.
Biggleswade has been a bogey fixture for the Terras over the last few seasons, but they played some outstanding football and thoroughly deserved the three points.
Their ridgeway rivals Dorchester Town got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-0 reverse at home to Kettering Town.
Just two of the Magpies’ starting eleven were part of the side beaten 4-1 by the Poppies on the final day of last season, but in the end the visitors still had too much for Dorchester.
After a tight and nervy first half, Kettering hit the front just three minutes into the second half through Liam Canavan, after the Magpies defence failed to deal with a quickly taken throw.
The Magpies huffed and puffed but failed to create any clear cut chances. Player-manager Mark Jermyn forced a finger tip save from Paul Walker, but twelve minutes from time the visitors were gifted a second goal when Shane Murphy’s clearance was charged down by Callum Westwood, and the Kettering striker had the simple task of tapping the ball into an unguarded net to seal all three points for the visitors.
A disappointing start for the Magpies, but with so many new faces, it may take time for them to gel.
Elsewhere, Poole Town were given a harsh welcome to life in the Conference South as they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet United.
United suffered a gut wrenching penalty shoot-out defeat in last season’s play-off final, and their class shone through in this clash.
A stunning strike from Dean Rance in just the ninth minute set the hosts on their way, before a second half brace from former Gillingham striker Danny Kedwell, and a goal from Jack Powell rounded off a comprehensive victory for the title favourites.
A real reality check for the Dolphins, and they’ll need to pick themselves up quickly as they welcome Maidenhead United to Tatnam for their first home game on Tuesday night.
Their near neighbours Wimborne Town got off to a positive start with an emphatic 4-1 home win over Bishops Cleeve thanks to goals from Billy Maybury (10’), Jamie Davidson (47’), Tobias Holmes (65’) and Josh Hartley (82’).
Portland United also got off to an excellent start on their return to the Wessex Premier league with a comfortable 2-0 win at Verwood on Wednesday night. Ed Bastick gave the Islanders the lead on the hour mark, before Ryan McKechnie sealed the win late on with a tap in, as Verwood ended the game with just nine men.
The Blues play their first home game on Tuesday night when they welcome Bournemouth to a revamped Grove Corner for what will be a special occasion for the club.
Unfortunately Weymouth Reserves suffered a dissapointing 4-1 defeat at home to AFC Stonham on their first outing in Wessex Division One, whilst Bridport fell at the first hurdle in the FA Cup – going down 2-1 at home to Arlesford Town.
The Bees begin their league campaign on Tuesday night with the visit of Buckland Athletic, whilst the Terras reserves travel to Alton on Saturday.
The Terras first team welcome Chippenham Town to the Bob Lucas Stadium on Tuesday night for what should be an intriguing contest. Both games between the two sides ended honours even last season, as both fell out of contention at the end of the season. The Terras will be hoping to push on from their excellent start with a win in front of what they hope will be a bumper home crowd.
Meanwhile Dorchester will look for their first points of the season as they travel to newly promoted Cinderford Town. The new boys had looked to be cruising to victory at Hitchin Town on Saturday, leading 3-0 with 15 minutes to go. But the Canneries produced a spectacular fightback to snatch a dramatic 4-3 win at Top Field.
James Spring
