|
|
|
Terras’ best show as Eagles are shot down
WEYMOUTH returned from the long trip to Bedfordshire with three precious points after giving their best performance of the season.
The last six Evo-Stik South-ern Premier Division games have produced mixed results, with three wins and three defeats for the Terras.
However, Weymouth rewarded their travelling fans with two second-half goals to secure the spoils at the Eyrie.
Sam Poole and Ed Palmer returned to the starting line-up after serving suspensions, while striker Dan Smith was dropped to the bench and Barry McConnell replaced Lewis Clarke in defence.
The opening minutes were nondescript from both sides.
Bedford attempted to get on top early on but did not look like they would assert any sort of advantage over the visitors.
On numerous occasions both sides stretched their defence too far and it looked inevitable that one would score on the break.
As the first half reached the 26 minutes mark, the hosts seemed to lose some of their earlier confidence and the Terras frantically searched for a breakthrough.
Ben Joyce produced the first real opportunity when he shook off the attentions of Steve Kinniburgh and fired across home keeper Ian Brown’s goal.
However, the Bedford number one managed to outstretch an arm to force a corner.
Minutes later, it was Joyce’s strike partner Mark Ford’s chance to capitalise on slack Bedford defending.
However, he was unable to connect properly with Walker’s cross to the relief of the home defence.
Chances were few and far between, but the Terras edged the first half, creating a handful of opportunities.
The Eagles did have a chance to take an undeserved half-time lead when Jamie Grimes almost scored after a pass from Michael Built took a deflection off Nick Beasant’s head but a miskick saw the ball go out for a goal kick.
With the cold breeze whistling round the Eyrie, it was no disappointment to most spectators when the referee blew for half-time.
Just three minutes into the second half, the visitors took the lead.
Joyce was allowed to venture down the right side, when again he was given far too much time by Kinniburgh and Ashley Fuller for the Eagles.
The number nine was able to continue his strong run before cutting into the penalty area. Controlling the ball well he fired home from 20 yards.
Within five minutes, the Eagles had two good chances to pull level, the best falling to Will Green whose shot was just weak enough to fall into Simon Evans’ hands.
Beasant had a clear opportunity when he ran the ball through the Weymouth defence but he was unable to finish it off and made a weak attempt that ran past a post.
Bedford were treading on eggshells as they failed to keep hold of the ball and had to play a defensive game.
Weymouth then doubled their lead when Stephen Reed picked the ball up in the centre of midfield.
Again, a lack of Eagles’ pressure enabled the midfielder to pick his pass easily and he was able to play a ball through the gap in the middle of the Bedford defence, splitting Grimes and Ginney.
The ball fell precisely to Craig Duff who chipped over Brown in the Bedford goal.
Moments later, Callum Lewis forced Evans into a good save from inside the area.
However, this was the best the Eagles could muster up on a very disappointing afternoon.
Both teams had few chances in the last 20 minutes and Weymouth held out for a deserved away victory that moves them further away from relegation and nearer to the play-off places.
