WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley feels the Terras’ rich success against St Albans City this season makes tomorrow’s Vanarama National League South clash “more tricky”.
Molesley’s men welcome the Saints to the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm) having twice beaten the struggling Clarence Park outfit 4-1 in the league and FA Cup.
St Albans are surprisingly bottom of the 22 sides in the division despite finishing ninth last season. But Molesley is not fooled by the Saints’ troubles – even with the Hertfordshire team being winless in six games, including three draws.
He told Echosport: “I’m sure it will make it a little bit more tricky.
“They’ll be analysing the two games that we’ve had already this season and looking to try and stop us and some of the problems we’ve caused them previously.
“It’s going to make it a tough game, it’s an experienced manager (Ian Allinson). St Albans are picking up, they’ve had some good results lately and have some very good players.
“They’re an established, well-organised (National League) South side. By their own standards they probably didn’t expect to be where they are and that makes them even more of a dangerous animal.
“They’re a good side and one we’re not taking lightly.”
Molesley also called for the Terras to “keep evolving” as teams become more familiar with their style of play.
“We’re not that surprise package now,” he admitted. “With that comes challenges but these are the challenges we’ve got to rise to.
“We’ve got to keep evolving and trying to get better because the other teams will be as well.”
With the hectic festive schedule fast approaching, Weymouth’s players face a gruelling four games in 12 days.
Asked how difficult it is for managers to prepare with such short turnarounds in the holiday season, Molesley said: “It is difficult because facilities shut down.
“From a management point of view you can’t look too far ahead, you’ve got to focus on this game and put your best foot forward.
“Then you react to the game after on players’ fitness, their attitude and mentality. You can’t get ahead of yourself.
“The games come thick and fast, it’s a physical and mental challenge for our players.
“What I can say as well, is it’s an exciting time with all these games coming. We’re in the play-offs and our challenge is to try and stay in there.
“We’ve got a lot to look forward to and hopefully a lot for the fans to get excited about.”
Calvin Brooks (ankle) should miss out despite a late check-up, while Cameron Murray (shin and ankle) plus Andy Robinson (ankle) are out. Exeter loanee Joel Randall returns.
