|
|
|
Double disappointment as Terras fall
BOTH teams were left disappointed at the Armadillo Stadium this afternoon as the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division came to its climax.
After a drab first half, Arlesey staged a second-half assault to pick up a 3-0 victory, but their hopes of snatching a play-off place were ultimately dashed by results elsewhere.
It was also a frustrating afternoon for the Terras who perhaps deserved better after playing some good football on a difficult playing surface.
Weymouth boss Brendon King said: “I think the score flattered them to be honest.
“I am not saying we deserved something from the game but 3-0 was a bit harsh because we actually played some really good football at times on what was a poor pitch.
“After they went ahead, we pushed on a bit and ended up getting caught out twice more but overall the performance wasn’t too bad.”
King made two changes to the side that began the 2-1 home victory over Barwell last time out, with Ashley Wells and skipper Scott Walker replacing Barry McConnell and Craig Duff.
It was Wells’ first start since picking up the Supporters’ Player of the Year Award, while Walker was returning from a three-match ban. McConnell dropped to the bench but Duff did not travel due to a stomach upset.
Arlesey made a bright start and nearly fashioned an opening for Drew Roberts in the opening minute, only for Chris Povall to dive at his feet and make a brave stop.
Stuart Farrell and James Hatch then sent efforts off target for the hosts before a clash of heads on 26 minutes saw Weymouth forced into a change.
Jamie Richards was the man that had to depart due to a bloodied nose and he was replaced by Stephen Reed.
Farrell then blazed another attempt wide after cutting in from the right, before the Terras’ best moment of the first half came on 37 minutes when Walker’s cross from the left found Ben Joyce, whose shot was turned away by a fine block.
It was very much a war of attrition but the Terras had handled themselves well against a big, powerful side that were clearly frustrated at the half-time whistle.
Arlesey desperately needed a boost and within seven minutes of the restart they got it when Roberts finally broke the deadlock with a fine free-kick.
Joyce and Dan Smith then both went close at the other end before two more goals for the Blues in just four minutes killed the game off.
Chris Marsh drove home the second on 65 minutes after a mistake by Ed Palmer and that was quickly followed by an unmarked header from Jeanmal Prosper at a corner.
To their credit, the Terras continued to battle with Smith firing wide yet again, but there could have also been more goals at the other end where Povall was forced into a couple of fine saves, including one outstanding stop in added time to deny substitute Kim Forsythe.
