WEYMOUTH assistant-manager Paul Maitland is sticking to a “one game at a time” mantra after the Terras defeated Merthyr Town 3-0 to move into second in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.
Goals from Harry Baker, Josh Carmichael and Brandon Goodship – his 25th league goal this season – handed Weymouth a relatively straightforward win at Penydarren Park as rivals Kettering lost 4-3 at Royston – with Weymouth having beaten the Crows 2-1 four days earlier.
The Terras’ triumph backed up the win at Royston and the 6-0 thrashing of Farnborough as Mark Molesley’s men collected nine points in a week.
Speaking to Echosport after the victory, Maitland felt it had been an “important week” for his side after a 2-1 defeat at Dunstable Town.
He said: “It’s one game at a time, but it was a good end to a good week.
“It was an important week after the defeat at Dunstable. It’s good to get back on the horse. We’ve kept a clean sheet and we’re over the moon.
“It was important after Dunstable that we got back to winning games. We’ve done that and we’ve come in with a reasonable points total.”
Maitland paid credit to a “well-organised” Merthyr side whose existence was threatened this season after financial problems involving an unpaid tax bill.
He said: “It’s well-documented with the financial issues. They’re a strong side, well-organised and well coached. They made it very difficult for us.
“We had to show a lot of patience, but fortunately by getting in front it meant that they came out a bit more and it opened up.
“We were then able to get another one and get a third goal.”
Maitland also reserved praise for Goodship, who scored his sixth goal in five games with a second-half header.
“I think it’s probably his first header! He was unlucky first half. He had one cleared off the line which was unfortunate and Calvin Brooks had the follow-up saved.
“He’s been consistent throughout the season. When we went 2-0 up we thought it was nice, no disrespect to him, that he hadn’t scored. But you don’t keep him out of the limelight very long.
“It’s worth remembering that Harry has stepped up a couple of leagues and he’s got 16 and Thommo (Ben Thomson) is in double figures.
“Brandon is in the side to score and it’s through a lot of hard work from the other players that allows him to score and us to play him. Ultimately he’s been the difference in some games,” he said.
Abdulai Baggie’s partner is expecting the imminent birth of the couple’s child but Maitland was grateful to the midfielder for his commitment, having undertaken lengthy trips to Royston and Merthyr in the last week.
He said: “In fairness to Abdulai he’s driven himself to the game. He’s made huge personal sacrifices and efforts – we’re thankful for those.
“He played really well in all three games in the last week, which when you’ve got all that in the background can detract from your performance. Far from it for him – he’s driven a lot of miles, which is something that we’re not keen on.”
After the game, Callum Buckley signed a contract extension with the Terras.
