WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley stressed the “vital” need for the Terras to earn a positive result at home to Oxford City in the Vanarama National League South today (3pm).
Molesley’s troops have lost all three of their past three encounters in all competitions but have retained sixth place in the league despite 1-0 losses to Dorking and St Albans respectively.
Weymouth’s Boxing Day match at Havant was rained off but the players trained ahead of their meeting with the Hoops, who held Weymouth to a 0-0 draw in early September.
City currently occupy 13th, just seven points behind Weymouth as the chasing pack begins to make ground on the Terras.
However, Molesley is focused on his players carrying out the mechanics of their style of play that had worked so well earlier in the season.
Asked how important securing a positive result was, Molesley said: “It’s vital. We’ve got ourselves in a good position in the play-offs and we’ve got to work hard to stay in there.
“Not many people would’ve thought we’d have been in the position we are, but we’ve put ourselves in a good position so it’s disappointing when you lose games.
“We can’t focus too much on the result, we’ve got to focus on our processes. If we get them right, we’ve got a much better chance of getting the result we want.”
On Boxing Day, Weymouth announced the signing of former Salisbury midfielder Tom Whelan on a one-month loan from Yeovil.
“He’s a player that really stood out to us last season, to my staff and players,” Molesley said.
“We all felt he was one of the best midfielders in the league and secured himself a good move.
“With the injuries we’ve got to our midfield and with the amount of games coming up, it was vital we got someone in.
“Someone of that profile, we’re delighted to get in. It’s someone who stood out in our mind from last season, so we’re really pleased to welcome him to the football club.”
Calvin Brooks and Andy Robinson (both ankle), plus Cameron Murray (shin and ankle) miss out, while goalkeeper Calum Ward is a slight doubt.
