It’s been a terrific four days for both Weymouth and Dorchester, with both managing to pick up crucial back-to-back victories on Saturday and Tuesday.
On Saturday, Poole Town’s trip to Arlesey was postponed, so it left Weymuth with an opportunity to close the gap at the top to just two points, and they did just that with a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Histon.
The visitors held their own for much of the first half, but Weymouth scored at the perfect time right on the stroke of half time. There was some confusion as to whether Stewart Yetton or Chris Shephard got the final touch. Personally I thought it was actually an own goal off the defender, which was that lucky break the Terras had been crying out for.
The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Histon, and two goals from Exeter loanee Jamie Reid in the second half sealed a comfortable victory.
Terras fans had more reason to cheer when they heard that one of their promotion rivals Hungerford Town had suffered defeat, and it was Dorchester of all teams that ended the Crusaders unbeaten home run!
The Magpies put in what many supporters described as their best performance for two seasons to win the game 2-0, though in truth Hungerford could have had no complaints had the Magpies scored another few goals.
That win moved the Magpies out of the bottom three and gave them a 2 point cushion over Frome Town, and moved them a point clear of Arlesey who they then faced on Tuesday.
Jermyn’s boys picked up where they left off with a comfortable 3-1 win over their fellow strugglers, which included another two goals from Nathan Walker, who now has an impressive tally of six goals in six games since he was moved up front.
That win gives the Magpies some much needed breathing space. There is now a five point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, but they can’t afford to get carried away as Frome Town still have two games in hand.
Whilst Dorchester were cimbing away from danger, on the other side of the hill Weymouth were returning to the top of the table with a hard earned 2-1 victory over Chesham United.
Never was the phrase “a game of two halves” more apt. Weymouth played some scintillating stuff in the first half, and looked to be getting back to somewhere near their best.
After just a quarter of an hour, a poor defensive header was pounced on by Adam Kelly, and he lobbed the onrushing keeper perfectly to give the Terras the lead.
That lead was doubled twelve minutes later when Stewart Yetton scored with a bullet header.
In truth Weymouth had created enough chances to have had the game wrapped up by the time the visitors got back into it just past the hour mark, with what was their first real effort on goal.
That goal changed the game, and the Generals laid siege to the Terras goal for the final half an hour.
Only a couple of point blank saves from Jason Matthews and some last ditch tackles prevented United from levelling it up.
Deep into added time there was an almighty goal mouth scramble in which Chesham twice screamed for a penalty for handball, but somehow the Terras just held on by the skin of their teeth to claim a crucial three points.
The win takes them back to the top of the table, but more importantly they now go into the crucial game at Poole on Saturday with some momentum behind them.
The Dolphins will be rested though after a week without a game. Their cup game with Truro on Tuesday night was postponed and has been rearranged for next Tuesday, meaning the return fixture with Weymouth has been moved yet again.
Saturday’s game at Tatnam won’t be season defining, but it’s a local derby, and a promotion six pointer. The Dolphins will be eager to regain top spot, whilst Weymouth will want to extend their lead at the top and heap the pressure on Poole. It promises to be a thriller!
Elsewhere on Saturday, Dorchester will be looking to continue their revival under Mark Jermyn when they welcome play-off chasing Cirencester Town to the Avenue. The Magpies will be thursting for revenge after Cirencester hammered them 6-2 earlier in the season, but they’re a different beast under Mark Jermyn, and will go into the game brimming with confidence.
James Spring
