“DELIGHTED” Weymouth boss Brian Stock paid credit to his squad as the Terras defied an injury nightmare to beat Maidenhead United 3-2 in the FA Trophy third round.
Weymouth were without at least 10 players and named first-team coach Sammy Lander on the bench, along with midfielder Andy Robinson who was not fit after a hip flexor injury.
Former Wales international midfielder Stock resisted the urge to name himself in the squad, and his decision duly paid dividends.
Weymouth went 2-0 up in 32 minutes as Cody Cooke tapped in and Josh McQuoid converted a penalty following a foul on returning winger Alefe Santos.
Maidenhead fought back as Danilo Orsi scored twice in three first-half minutes to go in 2-2 at the break, the Terras conceding for a fifth time in first-half stoppage-time this season.
But Corey Jordan’s first goal for the club eight minutes after the restart eventually proved enough.
Shaun Donnellan crashed a shot against the bar as Maidenhead created few clear chances in search of a leveller during a nervy finale.
Asked for his feelings post-match, Stock said: “Delighted. All the players in that changing room have given everything.
“We were very stretched in terms of numbers – we had probably 10 players out.
“When you look at the amount of effort, determination and desire that was put in to try and get that result, we’ve left everything on that pitch.
“It’s something we’re going to have to do every single game we play.
“When we’ve gone in at 2-2 after being 2-0 up, sometimes questions are asked and I think they answered that in the second half.
“It was an opportunity for players who haven’t necessarily had chances to prove a point and man for man, everyone can walk out of this stadium with their heads held high.”
Stock was particularly pleased that Weymouth did not lose from a winning position – as has happened in their previous two games against Wealdstone and Wrexham.
“I’m sure every person in this stand is thinking the same thing,” he said.
“We were looking at it thinking ‘now’s the time to show some character and bottle’, even Zaid Al-Hussaini who’s tried his hardest.
“Before the game he wasn’t feeling too great and his energy levels were very low.
“He’s given us everything he’s got and it was an opportunity to put Jack Dickson on towards the end – it’s great to see him back.
“When I first came to the club, he was a player I felt was outstanding in training. He’s a needed boost to the side.
“I’ve heard a lot of things about Jack. Unfortunately he had to have an operation but he’s a great kid, he’s kept himself fit throughout that period and he’s come into the side for the last minutes after one training session.
“It goes to show what a good character he is.”
Stock also voiced his satisfaction at what was striker Cooke’s second goal of the season.
He said: “I’m pleased for Cody because it’s been a tricky start to the season for him, he’s not necessarily been on the scoresheet as often as he would like.
“With Cody, his attitude’s never changed and I was really pleased he got his goal. Him and Jack Hoey worked really well.
“It was an opportunity to see what characters we had out there. I feel that every person who hasn’t been in the side has staked a claim for Boxing Day (at Eastleigh).”
Weymouth have been handed a home tie with 2011 winners Darlington in the Buildbase FA Trophy fourth round.
The Terras will now face National League North side Darlington, currently 21st in the tier below Weymouth.
Darlington will also be disadvantaged with the length of their journey to the south coast, the Quakers facing a 700-mile round trip from County Durham.
Darlo, who beat Mansfield 1-0 after extra-time in the 2011 showpiece, advanced to the fourth round after beating AFC Telford United 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.Fourth-round ties are expected to take place on Saturday, January 16 with the winners receiving £5,250 and the losers pocketing £1,500.
At this stage, teams are just four wins away from the final at Wembley.
