Dolphins at the double as Weymouth left in the dark
THERE were shades of déjà vu from last season’s defeat at Tatnam for the Terras as, once again, Weymouth were undone in the second half by title rivals Poole Town.
The away side were reduced to 10 men on the hour as Shane Krac, snapped up as a surprise inclusion before the game, was given his second caution. That opened the door for Marvin Brooks and Luke Roberts to seal Dorset derby spoils for the title-chasing Dolphins.
Weymouth came into the contest knowing a victory would take them within four points of their Dorset rivals, who had drawn their last four games.
And Terras’ boss Jason Matthews sprung a massive shock with his team selection ahead of the contest, naming midfielder Krac in the middle of the visitors’ midfield.
Krac, who left the Terras in August 2014 to join Plymouth Parkway and then linked up with Truro City, came in on dual registration terms to replace player-coach Chris McPhee, who dropped to the bench.
There was also a change at left-back for the Terras as former Poole man Jake Wannell was replaced by Mark Cooper. Stewart Yetton also came into the side for Chris Shephard, who was ruled out with a back problem.
Poole, who were knocked off the top spot by Chippenham on Saturday, knew if they avoided defeat against Jason Matthews’ men, they would return to the league summit.
The game’s first talking point came on 10 minutes as Calvin Brooks showed no compassion for brother Marvin on the opposite side. As the Dolphins’ midfielder looked to break forward Calvin earned himself a caution as he flew in on his sibling.
Former Poole man Billy Lowes then took aim at the other end and forced Dolphins’ keeper Nick Hutchings into a comfortable save with a tame effort moments later.
The clash was then put into question after 27 minutes of the opening period, as Tatnam plunged into darkness with all four sets of floodlights failing.
But, after around 40 minutes, the game eventually resumed and it was Poole who came within inches of breaking the deadlock.
A dangerous corner was stabbed at goal, forcing Matthews to make an almost point-blank save, the ball then cannoned off the bar on the follow up as the hosts look to turn it in.
Krac then tried his luck as he struck a low drive which was blocked following Mark Molesley’s centre. Krac was then cautioned for a foul shortly after.
Following the interval, Yetton, on his return to the side, tested Hutchings with a stinging drive as he burst down the right flank.
But Weymouth’s task was made even more difficult as, on the hour, Krac was given his marching orders.
He lunged in on Steve Devlin with the pair squaring up in the aftermath and referee Matt Lee had no choice but to send the robust midfielder off.
And, just three minutes later, Matthews’ men fell behind.
A neat move involving ex-Terra Luke Burbidge and Roberts allowed the home side to tee up Marvin Brooks, who confidently finished to notch the opener.
Yetton and Molesley were then replaced by Sam Surridge and McPhee for the visitors but just one minute after freshening things up, Poole made it 2-0.
A moment of magic from substitute Roberts wrapped the contest up.
He flicked the ball past his man and produced a sublime lofted finish into the top corner to double the Dolphins’ advantage.
Weymouth’s Adam Kelly was then involved in a tussle off the ball with Lewis Lindsay, that was to be the former’s last input as he was replaced by Jordan Copp.
The Terras should have bagged a consolation late on when a defensive lapse from Poole allowed Ben Thomson to slide in replacement Surridge but the AFC Bournemouth loanee blazed the ball over the bar to sum up what was a disappointing night for the visitors.
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