|
|
|
Brave Weymouth draw a blank at King’s Lynn
BRAVE Weymouth just could not do enough in their quest to make it three league wins on the spin, as they fought out a battling stalemate at King’s Lynn Town.
As much as they asked a number of questions and created chances, Jason Matthews’ men just could not break through a stubborn Linnets’ rearguard.
Despite picking up a hamstring problem in midweek, Weymouth’s Jake Wannell kept his place in Matthews’ starting XI, Pat Baldwin was ruled out through illness.
With Dean Evans suspended, Billy Lowes was the preferred option in midfield to replace him.
The hosts themselves were out to spoil the party for the travelling Terras, who had made the lengthy journey up the day before.
King’s Lynn boss Gary Setchell was fully frank in his comments ahead of the encounter at the Walks Stadium. He was keen to dash Weymouth’s promotion hopes.
Previewing the game against the Terras, he told the Lynn News: “I’d love to beat both Weymouth and Hungerford at home.
“We’ve got nothing to fear and it would be good if we could put both Weymouth and Hungerford on the mantle piece too.
“It will give us a springboard and confidence for the remainder of this campaign and for next season too, knowing that we are capable of beating so many of the top teams.”
But it was the Terras who started much the brighter of the two sides, and they were unlucky not to be ahead inside the opening 10 minutes.
After having an early penalty appeal waved away by the match official, Jordan Copp then came within inches of netting an early opener as he struck an upright from a tight angle.
As Weymouth continued to press, Ben Thomson had the ball in the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Lynn’s Jon Sands then tested Matthews at the other end.
The Terras’ boss, who insisted ahead of the encounter his side would be going all out for the victory, then looked on as Stewart Yetton forced a top-drawer save with a headed effort, by Alex Street in the home goal.
Terras’ full-back Ashley Wells was then forced to endure a moment of discomfort, as a high boot appeared to catch him in the head.
But he soldiered on and further chances fell to Thomson and Yetton before the break as a positive first half for the away side came to an end.
Following the interval, former Cherries’ midfielder Mark Molesley then started to pull the strings as Weymouth continued to look for that elusive opener.
He found George Rigg, who fired over, and Thomson, whose strike was once again saved.
The hosts then saw a chance go begging as they headed over from a set-piece, and King’s Lynn’s Lee Stevenson showed his craft as he struck at goal with a free-kick from all of 30 yards with an effort which rattled the crossbar.
Yetton was then replaced by player-assistant Tim Sills as the Terras looked to change things up from the bench.
That was not to make a difference however, as, despite a valiant display, Weymouth were left to battle out a stalemate and take a point, which now leaves them with it all to do to make the play-offs.
