Weymouth Vs Weston-super-Mare
National League South, Bob Lucas Stadium, Tuesday 11 March, 7.45PM
Hectic for you, Terras fans?
For us it certainly is – just three days after our last-minute equaliser away to St Albans City, we have another massive match that awaits us.
Travelling to Dorset tonight are eighth-place Weston-super-Mare, who lie just four points off the play-offs.
But despite the difference in league position, we have had the upper hand against The Seagulls this season, with a win and draw both at their ground, Woodspring Stadium.
BATTING AWAY THE SEAGULLS…
This season has told a tale of two different stories for both teams, Weston-super-Mare being just four points off the play-offs, and even being league-leaders and once stage.
We, however are – well, you already know…
This fixture has already been played twice this season and, as the clear contrast suggests, one side has failed to come out on top.
Spoiler alert – it’s not been us!
The first match was, similarly, a league match on Tuesday night at the Woodspring Stadium, where we were, despite our season-long struggles, four league matches unbeaten leading up to the game.
Though our form wasn’t quite as impressive as The Seagulls’, who were unbeaten in 11 league fixtures, having not lost since the second match of the season.
But there were positives for us going into the game, one of them being the return of Brandon Goodship who had missed the entire campaign with injury up to that point.
Even more excitingly, opportunities fell our way throughout the first half to Leo Hamblin and ex-Wycombe Wanderers loanees Jaiden Bartolo and Christy Ward.
But perhaps our closest chance of the half came from Jordan Maguire-Drew whose free-kick bounced on the line right before the break.
We have seen our threat not turn into a goal many times this season, however with just over 15 minutes remaining, Bartolo blasted the ball into the top-left corner, scoring his first, and subsequently only, goal in a Weymouth shirt.
Though The Seagulls flocked their way back into the game two minutes before stoppage time, via ex-Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle striker Reuben Reid, our performance would be a sign of things to come.
When we would face each other again just 11 days later.
Once again at the Woodspring Stadium, this match was a crucial cup contest, the victors progressing to the Isuzu FA Trophy third round.
We had already experienced FA-Trophy drama on the road last season, where we defeated Dover Athletic 4-1 on penalties following a 4-4 goalfest in regular time.
Could we score that many again?
The first 15 minutes suggested that we could.
After Charlie Rowan slotted in from a corner after just nine minutes, skipper Tom Bearwish doubled the lead just four minutes later.
2-0 up against title-challengers after just 13 minutes – not bad for little old Weymouth!
Though an unfortunate own-goal from Will Buse pulled one back for the hosts just before half-time, Brandon Goodship restored our two-goal lead in the second half.
While Weston grabbed a second right before stoppage time, it wasn’t enough to prevent our ticket to the next round – even without a fourth goal!
Perhaps we’re the favourites after all…
HOW TO FOLLOW
We are pleased to announce that Ben Ashelford will be back in the commentary booth this evening; click HERE to access his in-game thoughts.
Live updates will also be posted on our social media accounts; footage and reaction will also be uploaded after the final whistle.
