3.4 C
Dorset
Saturday, February 8, 2025
HomeDorset EastTerras charge continues, Magpies come from behind as Dolphins stutter

Terras charge continues, Magpies come from behind as Dolphins stutter

Weymouth put in easily their best performance of the season to pick up their best result of the season on Saturday, as they won 3-1 away to Dunstable Town. No scrap that, Weymouth put in their best performance for years to earn their best result for years on Saturday. Yes, it really was that good! Weymouth were almost faultless. It was a totally dominant 90 minute performance in which the Terras were always in control.

Two goals from talisman Stewart Yetton including a penalty had the Terras 2-0 up at the break, and they’d had chances to increase the lead further – most notably Adam Kelly hitting a powerfull shot against the crossbar before it bounced to safety.

Dunstable’s best effort came from Ben Mackey. Mackey has a feared reputation at southern league level. He scored well over 30 goals for champions Hemel Hempstead last term, but has struggled to adapt to the conference south, and as such was sent on loan to Dunstable – just in time to face Weymouth. Just our luck! But the closest he came to scoring was when he rattled the crossbar at 1-0. Shortly before half time he went into a crunching tackle with Stewart Yetton, and came off worst. He wasn’t moving right from then on, and limped off near the end.

The second half was proving a bit of a non event at 2-0. Dunstable were huffing and puffing without really giving Weymouth much cause for concern.

The travelling Weymouth fans were kept amused by a group of four young Luton Town fans who in fairness, had some good banter. Just a shame it was a bit uneducated. Apparently, Weymouth is a small town in Yeovil. I hope they don’t take Geography as one of their GCSE options…

Another chant which had most of us in stitches was “is that all you bring away”. The irony being that prior to Saturday’s game their highest attendance was barely 150. Weymouth added at least 100 to that gate on Saturday!

Just when it looked to be petering out into a 2-0 result, Weymouth decided to make it interesting by giving away a silly penalty, and giving Dunstable a ray of hope.

But still Dunstable never really threatened from open play. Weymouth shifted up through the gears, and late in the day Chris McPhee fired a wonderfull curling effort into the top corner to seal the game – and spark crazy celebrations among the travelling support (apologies to the fellow fan I accidently punched in the nose!).

Make no mistake, this was a VERY impressive display and result from Weymouth. Dunstable are a top side at this level. They may be a small club, but they have one of the biggest budgets outside the conference, and have serious ambitions to make it a second successive promotion.

Dunstable’s manager was quoted in pre season as “guaranteeing” that his side would win the division. I think it’s fair to say Weymouth gave him a huge reality check on Saturday. They were second best from start to finish.

It’s a fantastic way for Weymouth to head into Saturday’s massive cup tie against Braintree at the Bob Lucas Stadium. Braintree are actually in rotten form, with just one point from their last six games. Weymouth on the other hand are unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions and full of confidence. It won’t be easy, not by any stretch of the imagination – the Terras still have a two division gap to breach. But one thing is for sure – Weymouth will go into this tie full of confidence and belief that they can make the first round proper for the first time since 2008.

Meanwhile Dorchester Town warmed up with a good comeback at home to Hitchin Town. The Magpies trailed at half time but second half goals from Jack Odam and Sam Lanahan saw the Magpies seal an important 3 points in a 2-1 win, and condemn the Caneries to a fourth consecutive defeat. The visitors also ended the game with 9 men.

That sets Dorchester up nicely for another league game on Tuesday at home to 21st placed Burnham. This is a game Dorchester will be expected to win, and win well – having won 5-1 in the reverse fixture back in August.

Not only will victory be crucial in terms of helping the Magpies climb away from the bottom four, but it’ll be important for them to take some momentum into Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Bristol Rovers. The Gas themselves have hit some stuttering form of late, and lost their unbeaten home record at the weekend.

Speaking of home records – Poole Town’s 100% winning record at Tatnam came to an end on Saturday as they stuttered to a goaless draw with crisis club Hereford. The Dolphins remain 3 points clear of second placed St Neots Town however, as the saints also drew on Saturday.

They’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night when they host Hungerford Town. This promises to be a tough encounter for the Dolhpins. The Crusaders sit sixth in the table, 3 points off the play-offs. The corresponding fixture back in August ended in a goaless draw.

Tatnam will be my destination tomorrow night as Weymouth have a rare midweek off to prepare for Saturday’s cup tie. FA Cup fever is really bubbling quite nicely here in Dorset!

James Spring

To report this post you need to login first.
Dorset Eye
Dorset Eye
Dorset Eye is an independent not for profit news website built to empower all people to have a voice. To be sustainable Dorset Eye needs your support. Please help us to deliver independent citizen news... by clicking the link below and contributing. Your support means everything for the future of Dorset Eye. Thank you.

DONATE

Dorset Eye Logo

DONATE

- Advertisment -

Most Popular