Dorchester Town 1-2 Weymouth
Festive joy for Terras after victory in Ridgeway derby
Summary:
Jamie Wells got his management career off to the ideal start with an eventful victory for Weymouth over local rivals Dorchester Town. Despite going behind early in the game, two goals in first-half injury time put the Terras in the driving seat. But it was debutant Max Evans who took the plaudits with a penalty save in the second-half, as Weymouth held on for their first league victory in seven games.
Match Report:
The Ridgeway derby presented a dramatic first game in charge for Jamie Wells following the departure of Steve Claridge, and he made four changes to the starting lineup. Two fresh loanees from AFC Totton came straight into the team – Max Evans replacing Ben Clark in goal and Luke Bennett coming into the midfield in place of Charlie Finney. Also coming into the starting XI were Harry Gray for his first start and Calvin Brooks returning from injury, with Evan Watt and Barney Stone dropping to the bench.
Kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes while the crowd of 4,025 were slowly admitted to the ground, but the game itself started off at a frenetic pace. Early pressure from Dorchester led to a penalty shout after 5 minutes when a shot from ex-Terra Cameron Murray appeared to hit a hand, but the referee waved play on. The Magpies took a deserved lead on 18 minutes when Parker’s cross was met by a flying header from Wooding. Three minutes later a dangerous ball from Haste had to be turned behind by Douglas as the home side looked to extend their lead.
Douglas would be at the centre of more drama against his former club as the game unfolded. Another shout for handball in the area was waved away, but by 27 minutes he was in the referee’s book for bringing down Parker on the edge of the box. A few minutes later he was lucky to escape further punishment after a clumsy challenge in the middle of the park, and Jamie Wells made the decision to replace him after 36 minutes before he gave the referee another opportunity to reduce the Terras to ten men.
As the first-half moved into injury time the game turned dramatically on its head. First Bearwish turned Moore on the edge of the penalty area before hitting a shot past Benfield and in off the post to level the scores. Five minutes later, after good work from Gray, the ball fell to Goodship six yards out and he made no mistake, sending the Terras into the lead and the away fans into raptures.
Dorchester piled on the pressure in the second half, desperate to get something out of the game. Roberts had a great chance after 55 minutes but hit his shot wide. Then they had a great opportunity to equalize after Murray was brought down in the area with 20 minutes to go and the referee pointed to the spot. But Evans guessed the right way, got down to his right and clung onto Parker’s spot kick.
The Weymouth keeper was called into action again seven minutes later when the Magpies were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out. Wooding curled a great effort around the wall which was heading for the top corner before Evans, at full stretch, tipped it round the post. The Terras did their best to slow the game down in its closing stages and, despite the referee adding another seven minutes of injury time, held on to claim local bragging rights as well as a vital 3 points in their battle against relegation.
Reaction:
Speaking to Radio Terras after the game, Jamie Wells was “buzzing” after a big victory in his first game in charge. He said “it’s always nice to get one over on your rivals …” adding “the boys were great and I couldn’t ask any more of them”. Commenting on the big crowd, he said “the atmosphere was excellent, I thought our fans were tremendous and I thank everyone of them for coming up today to support us”.
This victory lifts Weymouth above Dorchester into 19th place in the league, although still in the relegation zone on goal difference behind Plymouth Parkway. Another local derby awaits next Saturday when Wimborne Town visit the Bob Lucas Stadium, in what will be their fourth meeting of the season.
Lineups:
Terras: Evans; Betts, Brooks, Douglas (Watt, 36), Genesini; Bennett (Moss, 84), Robinson, Bearwish, Gray (Burrows, 67); Goodship (Stone, 76), Pollock
Subs not used: Stavrianos
Goals: Bearwish (45+2), Goodship (45+6)
Magpies: Benfield; Dickson, Haste (McIntosh, 68), Wright, Moore, Parker, Roberts, Murray (Smith, 76), Wooding, Pardoe (Crosbie, 63), Underhill
Subs not used: Buse, Turner
Goals: Wooding (18)
Attendance: 4,025
Media:
Scroll through the match photos here: 27-Dec-25 Dorchester Town vs Weymouth | Flickr
Match Report by Ian Middlebrook
