Weymouth’s return to action turned into a nightmare as they crashed to a 4-1 defeat at home to relegation threatened Chesham United on Tuesday night.
Having had a fortnight off, the Terras actually made the brighter start. Ben Thomson forced Shane Gore into a good early save, and a few minutes later he was called into action again.
Mark Molesley threaded an inch perfect pass into the path of Stewart Yetton sending the striker clean through on goal, but Yetton has really looked shy of confidence this season, and he could only hit his effort straight at the goalkeeper. And less than a minute later, Weymouth were made to pay for that missed opportunity.
Dave Pearce sent a corner into the back post and it was headed home by the unmarked Joe Gater in the ninth minute.
The Terras were playing some good football going forwards but they were looking extremely vulnerable at the back, and they almost fell two behind when Kabongo Tshimanga managed to wriggle his way past Baldwin before attempting to lob Matthews, but his effort landed on the roof of the net.
Despite their neat build up play Weymouth were struggling to create any clear cut chances, and two minutes before the break they conceded another soft goal.
The Terras failed to deal with a long throw, and after a quick game of pinball in the penalty area the ball fell into the bath of Curtis Ujah, and he calmly slotted it into the bottom corner to give the Generals a two goal cushion at half time.
Weymouth came out for the start of the second half all guns blazing, desperately trying to find a way back into the game.
Mark Molesley set off on a surging run forwards but dragged his shot wide of the mark, and a few minutes later his neat back heel teed up Yetton whose shot was deflected behind for a corner.
From that corner Dean Evans then rose above everyone but his powerful header was inches over the bar.
But it was only a matter of time before Weymouth got back into it, and eleven minutes into the second half they halved the arrears. A slick corner routine saw the ball played to Rigg on the edge of the D, and he sent a teasing ball in towards the back post which was headed home by Ben Thomson.
Adam Kelly was soon replaced by Chris Shephard who was still carrying a back injury, but he very nearly made his mark within a minute of coming on.
He picked the ball up on the edge of the box and managed to work himself some space, before forcing an excellent diving save low to his right from Shane Gore.
Chesham had been on the back foot for most of the second half, but as Weymouth continued to commit men forwards they began to leave more gaps at the back, and United looked a constant threat on the break.
Matt Taylor had his appeals for a penalty turned down, in fact all he got was a booking for simulation for his troubles. But on 78 minutes the visitors struck a killer blow from yet another set piece.
Another free kick caused panic in the Terras defence, and Kelvin Bossman’s deflected strike nestled in the bottom corner. A real kick in the teeth for the Terras players and fans.
To their credit the Terras continued to push forwards in search of a route back into the game, but on 86 minutes they were again caught on the break, with the experienced Barry Hayles finishing off a slick move to make it 4-1, and that was the signal for the home supporters to head for the exits in their droves.
Ben Thomson had a good chance to get a consolation but despite being unmarked in front of goal he managed to steer his header wide of the mark. Bournemouth loanee Sam Surridge also had a late opportunity but his effort was wide of the mark, and really summed up Weymouth’s evening.
In truth they have played far worse and won games this season, but their lack of a prolific striker was there for all to see as they spurned chance after chance. Chesham showed a ruthlessness in front of goal that the Terras can only dream of, and their inability to defend set pieces cost them dear.
Such a comprehensive home defeat to a side near the bottom left many fans disillusioned, with the Terras now lying 8th in the Southern Premier league – still only two points adrift of the top five but having played a game more than a few of the sides above them.
Just along the coast, Poole Town are now only top of the table on goal difference after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Biggleswade Town.
First half strikes from Luke Roberts and Marvin Brooks had the Dolphins in control at half time, but two goals in the space of eight second half minutes from Craig Daniel and Inih Effiong saw the Waders fight back to claim a share of the spoils at Tatnam.
The Dolphins will be looking to pick up three points and probably score a few goals on Saturday when they welcome bottom side Bideford to Tatnam. The Robins are rock bottom of the table with just one away win all season, but they did run the Dolphins close in the earlier meeting.
Weymouth desperately need to get back to winning ways, and if they could hand pick an opponent to get back on track against they probably would choose this weekend’s visitors Cirencester Town. The Terras have a formidable record against the Centurions over the last few seasons, winning the last seven meetings on the spin. But there’s no such thing as an easy game, and with the Terras seemingly bereft of confidence it could be a nervy afternoon at the Bob Lucas Stadium.
Elsewhere Dorchester will look to get back on track after a couple of disappointing home games when they travel to Wales to take on Merthyr Town.
James Spring