The Terras have travelled to Moss Lane, Greater Manchester, as they take on Altrincham FC this afternoon.
The match is the curtain raiser of the 2020/21 Vanarama National League, and Weymouth’s first game in the fifth tier of English football for twelve years.
Brian Stock’s side come into the game having lost just once in their pre-season campaign, being edged out 1-0 by a physical Ebbsfleet United side in their last game.
Like Weymouth, Altrincham gained promotion to the Vanarama National League by winning the play offs. Alty finished fifth, and beat Chester, York City and Boston United for the privilege of National League football.
The Robins have had a mixed pre season, however have recorded big wins against Huddersfield and Salford City, beating their development sides 4-0 and 5-1 respectively.
The Terras will have to be wary of new signing Matty Kosylo. The skilled winger has experience in the National League, and became a danger man for Halifax during his time at the Shay. He has already opened his account with the Robins, scoring in the last two friendlies. Kosylo will be looking to provide assists to their lethal striker, Jordan Hulme. Hulme has an unbelievable firing rate for Alty, scoring seventy goals in one hundred and thirty nine games.
The sides last faced each other in March 2009. The Terras came back from Moss Lane losing 4-0, but they did win the reverse fixture 2-0 earlier in the season. The game is set up to be a tight fixture. Both teams were in their respective lower divisions last season and have strengthened sides during the pre-season break.
Thoughts from the manager
Speaking to Echosport earlier this week, Stock praised his options ahead of the opener. The Terras Boss stating that “the strength in depth has taken me by surprise.” Reflecting on the game, Stock said it will be tough. He continued saying “One thing I would try to promote with the lads is to keep that momentum, that belief and have that winning mentality.”
Opponents: Altrincham FC
Last Season: 5/24 in the Vanarama National League North (promoted in play offs)
Home Kit: Red with a White Stripe, black shorts
Away Kit: Grey with Red and White Sash
Manager: Phil Parkinson
