Match Preview: Eastleigh v Weymouth – 2nd January 2022 – 15:00
A return to league action for the Terras as they travel east to take on Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League, in Weymouth’s first match of 2022!
THE TERRAS
COVID-19 and injuries forced Weymouth to postpone the two festive fixtures against tomorrow’s hosts and rivals Yeovil Town meaning the Terras have had two weeks away from action, following our 1-0 away win against Hungerford Town in the FA Trophy. But following this enforced break, Brian Stock’s side will be hoping to start the year well and kick off 2022 with three points at the Silverlake Stadium tomorrow.
The thoughts of Brian Stock ahead of tomorrow’s clash:
On the opponents and what he expects from tomorrow’s game: “It will be a tough game, they’re a hard-working, physical team. They have some good individuals, some match winners in their team as well.
I was able to watch Eastleigh live when they faced Torquay alongside Sean and Louis, so we’ve done plenty of homework on them, we have a rough idea on what to expect with their strengths and weaknesses. But Eastleigh are a fantastic club with great infrastructure and facilities, the pitch is nice compared to last year too, so hopefully that will suit us.”
On the squad: “Although we’ve been disappointed to not play two games over Christmas, we will be without some of those players who contracted the virus. One or two are touch and go for whether or not they will make it, but details on those players remain confidential.
Injury wise, Harrison Bruton has a broken finger and the other concern we still have is Ben Thomson. Ben will hopefully join the squad soon and may be in contention for the Southend game next week.”
On preparations leading up to the game: “There’s been good preparations for this game, we’ve had some good contact time throughout Christmas with the ones who have been able to train, numbers have been decimated, but it’s given us the opportunity to work with them.
There’s been a real commitment from the players and the staff to have day training rather than our usual day-to-day evening training, so it’s been nice to be able to do that. We trained today and the players will be focussed and ready to get three points tomorrow.”
LAST SIX
HUNGERFORD TOWN 0-1 TERRAS (FA TROPHY)
WREXHAM 1-0 TERRAS
TERRAS 1-2 TORQUAY UNITED
TERRAS 2-3 WOKING
TERRAS 1-4 ALTRINCHAM
CHESTERFIELD 4-0 TERRAS
Weymouth currently sit 21st in the National League table with 15 points from 19 games
THE SPITFIRES
Ben Strevens’ Eastleigh side have picked up eight victories in their 19 games played so far this season. In their last fixture they defeated Torquay United by 2 goals to 1 with goals from Tom Whelan from the penalty spot and another from Tyrone Barnett. They have picked up three victories in their last six league matches and also thrashed Enfield Town 5-0 in the FA Trophy two weeks ago. The Spitfires are also unbeaten in their last three as they look to close the gap between themselves and the play off spots. Eastleigh have shown their ability to be competitive against some of the league’s top sides, with notable victories including a 1-0 away win against Dagenham and Redbridge and a 2-0 home win against Notts County. A tough test awaiting Brian Stock’s side at the Silverlake Stadium, a place where Eastleigh have only lost twice at this season.
Player To Watch: Tyrone Barnett
Four goals so far this season for the veteran Barnett, the joint highest for Eastleigh this season, who scored in their last match against Torquay United. The striker, who joined Eastleigh in 2019 from Cheltenham Town, has a vast experience of playing for multiple Football League clubs and may use his experience in tricky situations to good effect for the Spitfires tomorrow as they look to rise further up the table.
LAST SIX
EASTLEIGH 2-1 TORQUAY UNITED
EASTLEIGH 5-0 ENFIELD TOWN (FA TROPHY)
EASTLEIGH 0-3 ALDERSHOT TOWN
DAG & RED 0-1 EASTLEIGH
EASTLEIGH 2-0 NOTTS COUNTY
YEOVIL TOWN 2-1 EASTLEIGH
Eastleigh currently sit 13th in the National League table with 28 points from 19 games
HEAD TO HEAD
Both games last season between the Terras and the Spitfires ended in draws. The first match, held at the Silverlake Stadium on Boxing Day of 2020, ended in a 0-0 draw. In the reverse fixture at the Bob Lucas Stadium, it ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Mike Green for Eastleigh and Jordan Ngalo for the Terras.
SUPPORTER INFORMATION
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