Anyone Got A Map?

Weymouth failed to find the net in a game that lacked passion although the Terras had 85% of the possession.

Nigel Biddlecombe’s article in the Echo was a warning enough, “on previous records, this will be a dull encounter” and so right he was. Weymouth introduced Gethin “Tom” Jones in Alex Browne’s No. 4 shirt as the Terras looked to build on their mid-week success up at Havant.

Up, up and away.Within a minute of the kick off a Rawlinson through ball found Phillips, he fed Whiteman in front of goal, but Martin Davies pushed his shot round for a corner. Lee Phillips was next to find the frame of Davies blocking his shot on nine minutes.

Jones and Browne were finding the language barrier a problem when poor communication let in Cambridge’s Leon Gutzmore, with only Matthews to beat, he launched the ball into orbit.

After the initial quarter hour the hosts lost their way as the game descended into a game of ‘keepy uppy’. Weymouth, it seemed, realized the quality of the opposition and waited for the goals to come, but no one was prepared to work to make it happen as they failed to turn possession into real goal scoring efforts although Rawlinson and Hutchinson saw their shots sail wide.

Cambridge looked dangerous on the break and the lively Kevin Wilkin skipped into the box and pulled the trigger but, with Matthews beaten, Kenway cleared for a corner.

This may sound like a broken record, but the refereeing was abysmal as some strange decisions were awarded against both sides.

Weymouth were awarded a free kick just outside the area after Marc Whiteman was bought down as he jinked his way through the visitors back line. Dean’s dipping effort went just over the bar. Deano had another go on 40 minutes, his 20 yard thunderbolt shaved the top of the bar, and, within a minute, Deano was booked for dissent. He became even more agitated when he tried to explain that he wasn’t even talking to the ref.

Cambridge finished the half with a Leon Gutzmore effort. He tried to chip Matthews, but his shot went wide.

So at half time the score was Weymouth 0 Cambridge City 0

Weymouth found a little more enthusiasm to open the second half with as Tulley and Robinson pushed forward on the right flank. Tulley’s cross on 50 minutes found the head of Rawlinson, but the ball was straight at Davies. Seconds later, Phillips wasted a good chance when he shot wide.

Marc Whiteman, still to get his name on the score sheet, was denied by Davies as he dived full length to push his shot round for a corner.

Lee Phillips has a shot on goalRight on the hour, Cambridge should have gone ahead. Jack Wignall found himself unmarked on the penalty spot and let fly, Matthews, diving to his right, stretched to push the ball onto the post and out for a corner. Well no! Mr. Newell gave a goal kick!

Chris Giles made his last appearance in claret and blue on 70 minutes replacing Marc Whiteman. His first touch of the ball was at centre back as he cleared a dangerous cross from Clements. A strong run down the right flank by Robinson found Giles’ head, but he nodded over. It was turning into the Chris Giles show as he was everywhere. A Dean corner kick was met by Giles, his header goalbound….until cleared off the line by Wignall.

Jones (who was certainly showing his pedigree) put Phillips through but, with only the keeper to beat, he screwed his shot across the face of goal.

With elbows flying and over the ball challenges becoming the norm, Rawlinson was booked for swearing at the ref!

But at the final whistle the scores remained

Weymouth 0 Cambridge 0

Top Terra: Gethin Jones

This could turn out to be a long season. Weymouth lacked conviction, spirit and self belief and, on lack lustre performances like this, crowds will not increase, which is a worry as, without an average of 800, the budget will be cut even further.

Weymouth:
Jason Matthews, Steve Tully, Simon Browne (c), Gethin Jones, Mark Kenway, Mark Rawlinson,
Mark Robinson, Ian Hutchinson, Michael Dean, Marc Whiteman( Chris Giles 70), Lee Phillips.
Subs: Ryan Ashford, Michael Sajic, Lance Spencer

Cambridge City:
Martin Davies, Jack Wignall, Shane Wardley, Tim Wooding, Colin Vowden, Che Wilson,
Matt Clements, Richard Skelley, Kevin Wilkin, Leon Gutzmore, Adam Wilde (c).
Subs: Steve Holden, Alan Calton, Rob Nightingale, Adie Hayes, Darren Collins

Referee: Andrew Newell ( Bristol )
Assistants: Tim Shrew ( Wimborne ), Paul Harris ( Okehampton )

Attendance: 561