Weymouth Vs Salisbury
National League South, Bob Lucas Stadium, Friday 18 April, 3PM
Happy Good Friday, Terras fans!
If we call it one…
With our relegation to the Southern Premier League now having been set in stone for almost two weeks, “good” is not a word we would use to describe this season.
Still, our clean sheet away to promotion-chasers away to Maidstone United last week is a promising start on our path to redemption, as we remain relatively high in the form table, being the 13th best side in the league over the last 10 games.
In the eyes of Warren Feeney, our result in Kent can see us “build foundations” for a “confident” team going into next season.
Facing us today are survival hopefuls Salisbury, who sit just three points above the drop zone…
With three games remaining a loss at the Bob Lucas Stadium could have long-lasting effects, particularly if 21st-place St Albans City win today against fellow-strugglers Enfield Town.
HOW TO FOLLOW
We are delighted to announce that the ever-brilliant Ben Ashelford will be on commentary this afternoon; click HERE to access his in-game thoughts.
Live updates will also be provided across our social media platforms, followed by post-match reaction being uploaded after the final whistle.
SALISBURY’S STRIVE FOR SURVIVAL
With “The Whites” coming towards the end of their first season in the National League South, survival would undoubtedly be a success for the Wiltshire side.
Since establishing only 10 (yes, really) years ago, the club, managed by Brian Dutton, have gone from strength to strength, starting with winning the Wessex League Premier Division in 2016, the ninth tier of English football.
Their surge up the football pyramid, following another promotion from the Southern League Division One West in 2018, culminated in arguably the most important match in the club’s history.
Taking place on the final day of last season, The Whites completed a “dramatic” victory in the Southern Football League Premier Division South, a contest which saw two goals each from Salisbury and opponents Totton, before a penalty shootout sealed victory.
With this win ensuring their place in the National League South for the first time in their short existence, next campaign may see Dutton’s side as a sixth-tier team for the second successive season.
While their occupation of the last safe spot, three points above St Albans, may suggest a year of struggle, they have still managed to impress.
Out of the four teams still in the relegation dogfight (including St Albans, Enfield Town and Welling United), the Wiltshire side have won the joint-most games, scored the most goals whilst conceding the second least.
However, it’s also worth noting that their home form has been their strong suit, picking seven out of their 10 wins at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.
Meanwhile, on the road their three wins are more of a concern, their last away victory coming over two months ago, a 2-1 victory versus Weston-super-Mare.
Even against a side already down, three much-needed points will take some doing…
