WEYMOUTH are “relishing” the challenge posed by Havant & Waterlooville with the Hawks possessing an “embarrassment of riches”, according to boss Mark Molesley.
The Terras welcome the Vanarama National League South favourites to the Bob Lucas Stadium today (3pm) seeking to build on Saturday’s timely 2-1 victory over Oxford City.
Molesley anticipates one of Weymouth’s “toughest” games this season and the statistics suggest so, with the fifth-placed Hawks unbeaten in the league since mid-October, winning five in six games.
Commenting on the scale of Weymouth’s task, Molesley told Echosport: “It’s one of the toughest, without a doubt.
“Their management and squad speaks for itself – they’ve got an embarrassment of riches down there.
“It’s one we’re going to have to be at our best for but we fancy ourselves against any team.
“We have a certain way of doing things and we’ll stick to our processes, believe in them and see where it takes us.
“We’re relishing what will be a tough game, but that’s what we worked so hard for last season – to get into this league and play against the big boys like this. It’s something we’re embracing.
“Hopefully there’ll be a bumper crowd coming in and it whets the appetite even more that we’re both in the play-off positions.
“We’re doing well to be up and against teams like that and we’ve got to earn our stripes against them and prove we can cut it.”
Weymouth retained their sixth spot by beating Oxford City in their last outing and Molesley feels his squad’s belief will grow as a result.
“We needed to get confidence back in the camp, it’s a big thing in football,” he said. “The boys showed character in abundance.
“It’s definitely given us something to build on and hopefully we can take that into the Havant game.”
Molesley was also delighted for midfielder Cameron Murray, who played 15 minutes against City amid ongoing shin and ankle issues.
He said: “Cam’s got a funny injury at the moment where we’ve got to manage his load.
“We put him on, he’s joined in bits of training but we can’t do too much with him. We’ve got to see how he reacts to (Oxford) – he felt it a bit at the end.
“We’ve just got to monitor him and deal with him day by day.”
Terras’ defender Ade Olumuyiwa also made his first start, Molesley adding: “We’re delighted to have him back in the fold, he’s been really patient.
“On loan he’s done really well and he’s someone we think very highly of at this football club.
“He’s got some great attributes, he’s a good age and is a player we’ve high hopes for. It’s just managing his time, giving him his opportunity.”
Calvin Brooks and Andy Robinson (both ankle) are doubts, while captain Josh McQuoid could return.
