OLD RIVALS MEET IN DERBY CLASH WEYMOUTH clash with rivals Havant and Waterlooville in a tinderbox south coast derby at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow.
It is the sides’ first match since Terras skipper Alex Browne suffered horrific facial injuries in an X-rated challenge in last season’s corresponding fixture.
The brave defender needed hospital treatment after he was kicked in the head during the 2-2 draw at the Wessex Stadium in March.
But Terras boss Andy Mason insists there are no grudges at the club and is looking forward to an exciting Weymouth-Havant derby.
He said: “At the time everyone thought it looked a bad challenge.
“But it wasn’t intentional and there is no ill-feeling about it.”
He added: “Games against Havant and Waterlooville are always difficult.
“They are a hard side, but they are a good side as well and they aren’t picking up as many red and yellow cards this year.”
The Terras beat Havant 2-1 at West Leigh Park last February when their skipper – former Coventry and Eire defender Liam Daish – was sent off.
Weymouth, in 14th position, aim to climb away from the bottom half of the table with a win against Havant – who are just one place below and one point behind, but with two games in hand.
Quicksilver midfielder Anthony Tilley is still out with a pelvic injury and Simon Browne is doubtful with a back problem.
Mason added: “We had a good win against Sutton in the Trophy last week and will be looking to keep that going.
“We can beat virtually anyone at home on our day.
“It won’t be easy on Saturday, but we are at home and should be looking for a win.”
He added: “We are 13 points off the league leaders but six away from the bottom.
“It is very close in the mid- table. We need to get a good run going before Christmas and pull away a little.”
The Terras return to league action after beating Sutton United 2-1 in the FA Trophy last Saturday.
Defender Alex Browne misses tomorrow’s match as he is still recovering from a knee operation.
He was hurt in the corresponding fixture last season in a sickening collision with Havant winger Paul Wood as he attempted to head clear a cross.
