LIONEL Ainsworth’s blockbuster volley at Dulwich Hamlet can be the “kick start” the winger needs to ignite his stint at Weymouth, according to boss Mark Molesley.
Ainsworth, 32, scored a spectacular curving effort that skidded off the south London turf before rattling the far post and into the net to level the scores at 1-1 in the eventual 2-2 draw on Saturday.
Prior to the contest, Ainsworth had failed to score or assist in six games with the Terras, despite a number of lively displays.
Footage of the volley has since gone viral, attracting over 212,000 views on Weymouth’s Twitter page, with 4,400 likes.
And Molesley believes Ainsworth, a former Motherwell and Plymouth midfielder, will be eager to add to his tally after bagging his first Weymouth goal.
He told Echosport: “It’s certainly something he’s keen to improve. He’s a very experienced player, he’s got a great attitude and he’s great around the boys.
“He’s still getting used to our way of doing things and hopefully that will continue. (The goal) might be the little kick start he needed.”
On Ainsworth’s scorching strike, Molesley added: “I have to say, it was some strike. It’s well worth trying to see that.
“It was a fantastic strike and we needed it because we didn’t start the game great. We were looking for an injection of something and he certainly delivered.
“It was a cracking volley, it bent back round into the bottom corner. It was fantastic technique and a contender for goal of the season for us already – it got us going.”
Molesley also offered an update on the injury of Stephane Zubar after the Guadaloupe international was replaced by Callum Buckley in the 26th minute.
“Unfortunately Zubes tweaked his groin,” the Terras’ manager said. “If he was sliding across he might have stopped it but his studs got caught.
“We’ll have to see how that settles because it’s been a disruptive week. We’ve obviously lost Robbo (Andy Robinson) and Jake (McCarthy) was unavailable.
“We lost our second goalie (Mark Childs) on the way up, to illness. Zubes was touch and go for this game but unfortunately he came off injured.
“I have to say he did well. Callum, we had to call back from his loan from Hayes, was thrown in there and put in a really good performance.
“To be called back from a loan and be thrown into the game so early and put a real disciplined and commanding performance in, I was delighted with his attitude.
“I expect nothing less from Buckers, that’s what he’s like as a character and a person. He gives it everything and I thought he had a fantastic game for us.”
