WEYMOUTH boss Brian Stock joked the Terras’ 2-2 draw at King’s Lynn Town “was like a basketball match”.
In a frantic first half, Andy Dallas notched his fifth Weymouth goal in the 12th minute after a fine interception and assist from Calvin Brooks.
King’s Lynn, also promoted to the Vanarama National League for this season, replied when Tyler Denton’s rocket beat Ethan Ross in the away goal.
Andy Robinson responded with a 25-yard missile of his own to restore Weymouth’s lead, but Cameron King’s neat finish capped a lovely team move as King’s Lynn levelled again.
With all four goals coming in the space of 23 first-half minutes, an open game gave way to a more cautious second half as the sides settled for a point.
It meant Weymouth were rewarded for spending money on a hotel for the game – but should struggling King’s Lynn follow Dover in pausing play, the Terras could lose the point if the Linnets’ results are expunged.
“It was like a basketball match,” Stock told Echosport.
“I was scratching my head thinking we didn’t have to do anything weird and wonderful and we’ve got our noses in front.
“One or two things that we addressed at half-time didn’t happen.
“We were more compact, followed our runners and didn’t get side-tracked.
“They were very fluid with (Alex) Kiwomya coming in off the line and when they found him he was causing us problems.
“We had to switch formation, which was something we had up our sleeve in case we needed to.
“It’s important when you play teams that have got that little bit of flexibility that you have to have something to go to. We did, and it worked.”
Stock paid credit to King’s Lynn, adding: “I did say they are one of the best sides we’ve played.
“They are a very, very good outfit that cause teams a lot of problems.
“I felt how we scored the (first) goal was exactly what we worked on in our shape intercepting a pass going into the middle, which is their dominant area.
“We countered very well and scored off the back of it. We conceded two very poor goals.
“But I saw a different side to them at half-time. They were a little bit disappointed with the first-half display, albeit at 2-2.
“But they’ve gone out and been very resolute, put their bodies on the line and have had to work hard to stop a very good side.”
Stock also stressed a point for both sides was a merited outcome.
“I thought it was quite a fair game, overall,” he said.
“I do think King’s Lynn in the first half will think how have they not scored an extra goal?
“Over the course of 90 minutes I’d say it was a fair result. It was important we didn’t lose the game given the situation of where we both are in the league.
“When we do things right, with a hotel, it’s important the result is there to get back on the coach, on a long journey back, and have something to show for it.”
King’s Lynn remain two points ahead of Weymouth, who occupy the first relegation position.
The FA Council are yet to confirm the absence of a drop zone following the cancellation of the Step 2 season.
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