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Derby delight for Terras and Blues
BOTH managers were left satisfied at Grove Corner on Saturday after Weymouth edged a 2-1 victory against local rivals Portland United in their opening pre-season friendly.
A fantastic crowd of 381 turned out for the clash and witnessed a goal in the opening minute when Terras’ striker Mark Ford scored at the second attempt following some good work from Matt Groves.
Ashley Smith then capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Alex Jeannin and goalkeeper Simon Evans to get the hosts back on level terms on 35 minutes before Ben Joyce came off the bench and grabbed the winner late in the second half.
Weymouth boss Brendon King said: “It was a good workout. We popped the ball around well at times and it was nice for everyone to get a lot of touches.
“Stephen Reed, Scott Walker and Danny Clay all showed great quality and it was also great to see Mark and Ben both get on the scoresheet, so all in all it was a very good first run out for the lads.”
Portland manager Chris Wilson went on to add: “We asked for effort and commitment and we got it. We competed throughout and it was a very pleasing performance.
“We may have lost the likes of John Litherland and Alex Halloran but we have also added a bit of quality in Andy Harris and Scott Henley, who were both superb.
“With Rob Maxted and Adam Skelton having come on board too, along with Antony Carlile, who has just signed dual registration forms from Dorchester Town, things are shaping up very nicely.”
The Terras, who are set to entertain a Bristol City XI on Saturday (3pm), are back in action tomorrow night at Hamworthy United (7.45pm).
* The Blues held their patrons draw after the match with Park Laundry becoming their new shirt sponsor.
