JASON Matthews has called for his troops to bounce back following their derby defeat when they lock horns with Histon at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow (3pm).
While the wounds of their 1-0 reverse to the Magpies on Monday are still fresh, the Terras’ boss knows that the perfect way to banish those bad memories is to put on a show when the Stutes come to town.
“Monday was disappointing but we need to draw a line under it at some point. We have to go in, be fresh, sharp, and ready to go in this game,” Matthews told Echosport.
“We know we didn’t get our passing game going, we got lulled into a game that probably suited Dorchester, but I need a reaction.
“I had Histon watched last week and I know they are a good, young side. They have had a few indifferent results but that comes with being a young side.
“If you let them get a leg up they are very hard to beat but if you can get at them it may be a different case.
“We have a big week coming up with the Histon game and then the FA Cup, so winning the next two competitive games has to be the target.”
One man on the verge of making his return to the Weymouth squad is Chris Shephard, who previously outlined tomorrow’s fixture as a possible target for his comeback.
But Matthews is determined not to hurry one of his star men and insists Shephard’s reintroduction in next week’s arranged friendly fixture with Torquay looks more likely.
“I probably won’t be risking Sheps but he will play a part in the Torquay game on Wednesday,” the Weymouth chief said.
“We have a good relationship with Torquay. They needed a friendly and it’s a good chance for me to give some of my players some extra minutes.”
Defender Jake Wannell is set to be available against Histon, but whether he features is yet to be seen.
Matthews added: “Nobody has done too much wrong so it is going to be a big ask to get into the 16 at the moment.”
