WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley hailed experienced centre-back Stephane Zubar after a commanding performance in the Terras’ 2-1 loss at Barnet on Saturday.
Zubar, who has this season struggled to break into the Terras’ starting XI through injury, was thrust into action at short notice after the late withdrawal of right-back Calvin Brooks with an ankle issue.
Brooks’ absence sparked a defensive reshuffle, with Zubar stepping into his familiar centre-back role and Brennan Camp sliding across to full-back – a position he has excelled in for Bournemouth Under-21s this campaign.
On Zubar’s contribution, Molesley sang the Guadaloupe defender’s praises after an assured display against Weymouth’s National League conquerors.
He told Echosport: “(Brooks) picked up a bit of an ankle injury against Dorking, which didn’t settle in time.
“We’re hoping it’s nothing too long-term with a view to hopefully being involved next week – it’s too early to tell on that one.
“It’s disappointing to lose a player of Calvin’s stature but what I would say is that Stephane stepped in – it’s what he does.
“He hasn’t had many games or practice matches. We played him against Poole Town a couple of weeks ago in the Dorset Senior Cup to get some football into his legs.
“That’s what Zubes gives you – he turns up and gives a great performance. He’s a fantastic acquisition to have.”
At the other end of the pitch, Weymouth at times struggled to create clear chances against the Bees.
Molesley was left to rue a sublime save from Barnet keeper Scott Loach, who somehow kept out Brett Williams’ header before Jordan Ngalo fired over from four yards.
He said: “You’re playing against a good opposition, you were never going to create a hatful of chances.
“What I would say is we had some good attempts at goal. Their keeper made a fantastic save from Brett’s header and somehow the follow-up didn’t end up in the goal.
“I’d always be disappointed if I felt we didn’t look like scoring, but I don’t think that was the case – their goalkeeper made save of the day.
“It wasn’t to be – we’ve got to learn the lessons from it and also take the positives, because there were a lot.”
