WEYMOUTH manager Brian Stock wrestled with the positive of dominating possession and the disappointment of spurned chances as the Terras drew 1-1 with Eastleigh.
Stock’s men earned a third Vanarama National League draw of the season after coming from behind.
Eastleigh keeper Joe McDonnell’s miraculous close-range save from Cody Cooke in the second minute preserved parity for the Spitfires, who led nine minutes later when Michael Green volleyed home.
McDonnell saved from Josh McQuoid, Jake McCarthy and Sean Shields before Jordan Ngalo’s 74th-minute equaliser uncorked the frustration of defensive Eastleigh tactics.
Weymouth were pushed hard in the closing stages as Eastleigh ramped up the pressure, but the Terras held firm to rise one place into 21st after Barnet lost 3-0 at Boreham Wood.
Speaking post-match, Stock said: “I felt the game was dictated by us in terms of possession.
“I felt they were a very resolute side, Eastleigh. But when you look at the chances we’ve had, we’re disappointed not to win the game.
“In the same breath, the last couple of minutes we could’ve lost the game as well and I think that’s a trade-off given our substitutions – for both sides, actually – trying to win the game.”
Green’s opener came as the left-back was left unmarked at the back post, his finish finding a way through Terras’ keeper Jack Bycroft who looked to be unsighted.
Giving his verdict on the goal, Stock said:
“It’s probably the only shot they’ve had for the whole first half.
“It’s a frustrating one for us, we’ve shut off at the back post. A disappointing one to concede given the fact that we should probably have gone 1-0 up if it wasn’t for a fantastic save.”
He added: “Something that’s been evident over the last few games is that never-say-die attitude, and I think it’s going to stand them in good stead.
“Not one person’s chucked the towel in. They’ve given everything they’ve got and we scored a very good equaliser.
“There were a couple of times where we had good areas with set-pieces and didn’t really capitalise.”
The result means Weymouth took two points from three games over the festive period.
“I would like more points on the table,” Stock confessed.
“We’re going out to win every game, there’s no doubt about that. You can see that with the effort and structure, the performance and desire from every single player, the positive substitutions to go and win the game.
“When you look at the results, we’ve come up against two good sides in Eastleigh and Torquay.
“Although we’ve only got two points to show for it, I do feel the performances and wins are coming.”
Stock also gave an update on absent striker Christian Saydee, who made his debut in the 0-0 draw at Eastleigh on Boxing Day.
“Another Covid situation,” Stock said. “The guy that he lives with has contracted the virus, so he’s had to isolate for 10 days.”
