WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley revealed a “calm” half-time team talk had been instrumental in the Terras’ 1-0 FA Trophy third qualifying round win over Hastings United.
The impressive Hastings, who play two divisions below Weymouth in the Isthmian League South East Division, enjoyed large spells of possession at the Bob Lucas Stadium, forcing goalkeeper Calum Ward into three magnificent saves in the opening 15 minutes.
However, the Arrows could not find a breakthrough and an improved Weymouth sealed their progress to the first round proper through Abdulai Baggie’s goal in the 61st-minute.
Speaking to theterras.com, Molesley was quick to highlight the quality of Hastings’ play.
He said: “We had that added bit of pressure showed what a good outfit they were.
“They contained us well and asked a lot of questions, especially in the first half, of us and we had to have a reset at half-time to look at the game in a calm way.
“Sometimes, they were going to have the ball – that’s OK, they were a good side. The onus was on us to go and run out of bad areas because a team in the division below are having a bit of possession. It’s OK as long as they’re not hurting us.
“We had to get that balance of when to press them and shuffle it a bit better. I think we did that well in the second half and I don’t think they had too many chances against us.
“We created enough and luckily got the goal. It was a fairly even game but one we’re delighted to win.”
