WEYMOUTH player-boss Jason Matthews believes he is on the road to recovery after getting back to training this week.
The experienced goalkeeper has been trying to shake off a problem with his heel picked up against Merthyr Town early last month.
While he is not certain of a return to the starting XI just yet as he prepares his charges for their trip to St Neots Town tomorrow (3pm), the gloveman is hopeful of being ready to step between the sticks for the Ridgeway derby against Dorchester Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Boxing Day.
Giving an update on his injury issue, the Terras’ boss told Echosport: “I have made good progress this week.
“I am just waiting to see how my heel settles after training but I am starting to wake up with no pain, which is really nice from my perspective.”
Loanees Jordan Holmes and Andy Dawber have stepped into Matthews’ spot since he has been out of action.
And while the latter of the two is still available for selection, Matthews is insistent he will not rush himself back.
He added: “I am itching to play again but I won’t do it unless it’s right for the team.”
Tomorrow’s opposition St Neots have struggled slightly in recent weeks, having not won in their last five league outings.
The Saints, who sit 13th in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division pile, lost 1-0 at home to Kettering Town last time out.
Speaking about Weymouth’s next opponents, Matthews said: “They rebuilt a new side in the summer after making the play-offs last season. It probably hasn’t gone for them as they would have liked I’d imagine.
“But you underestimate them at your peril really, it is always a tough game there but it is always a nice pitch to play on.”
He added: “It can’t be after the Lord Mayor’s show with us. We have to go there and put in the same sort of performance as we did last Saturday.
“The boys were fantastic last week and were fantastic in training on Wednesday. A few people have the bit between their teeth and that’s what I want.
“I feel that we are more physically equipped to deal with the rigours of a long season now.
“I feel we are in a good place and I was disappointed that Wednedsay’s game (against Chesham) was postponed.”
Pat Baldwin remains out with a hip injury for the Terras this weekend. Chris McPhee was carrying a slight calf problem but is expected to be fit.
