Weymouth vs Poole Town – Match Preview
It can be really interesting the way that the fixtures crop up in this league sometimes. Who would have thought a few weeks ago that the only two sides to beat run away leaders Walton & Hersham since August, would be meeting so soon after. That is exactly where we are with The Dolphins making the short trip to The Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday KO 3pm.
Weymouth were only the second side, after Hanwell Town, to beat Walton & Hersham this season with their 3-1 home victory on 17th January. Brandon Goodship got them off to the perfect start with a brace inside the first 6 minutes. Although The Swans quickly pulled one back, The Terras held on to take a memorable win. They followed this up with a very impressive 2-1 away win at Basingstoke last Saturday, Brandon Goodship again scoring two goals. These wins have eased the pressure on Weymouth as they move up the table to 16th place and look to steer clear of the relegation zone. They have won 3 of their 14 home matches and had to wait until September 27th to register three home points. That win was the 4-1 defeat of Tiverton Town. Since then, they have beaten Taunton Town 2-0 and the Walton & Hersham win. With the teams below Weymouth dropping points during this period, they have moved to a much more comfortable position. Conceding too many goals has been the main issue with The Terras to date as only Hungerford on 52 and Tiverton Town on 59 have conceded more so far this season.
Weymouth were probably at their lowest point when they came to Tatnam in October and were well beaten 6-0 with the Dolphins putting away four second half goals.
After the dismissal of Steve Claridge, the club decided to appoint the first team coach Jamie Wells as their manager. He has overseen something of a revival, taking 10 points from their last six matches including three wins. On becoming the Terras new boss, Wells commented: “It’s really pleasing and I am excited for the opportunity. I’ve been involved with Weymouth for many years and excited to take charge and hopefully turn things around and take things forward. “The club has had some very good times and some very low times, Jason Matthews and I, have been involved in both, and we are hoping to bring that experience together”.
The Dolphins of course come into the match on the back of the magnificent win at Walton & Hersham. After the Swans 2-0 home win over third placed Gloucester City on Tuesday evening the gap remains at 11 points, with an away game in hand. We sit in second place (P27 W15 D7 L5 52 points) and 6th in the form table with 11 points from our last 6 matches.
Much of Pat & Joe’s attention lately has been on bolstering our defence, especially after the retirement of Josh Staunton. The signings of Ade Olumuyiwa, Dan Carr and the long-awaited return of Jamie Whisken have gone a long way to tighten things up at the back.
Dan Carr has joined us on an 18th month contract and brings with him a wealth of experience at this and higher levels on non-league football. He has represented Welwyn Garden City, Hanwell Town, Bracknell Town, Metropolitan Police and Welling United. He played the first 85 minutes last Saturday and looked very comfortable alongside Ryan Campbell, Owen Dore and Corey Jordan.
As is normally the case in local derby’s there will be a number of ex-Dolphins in the opposing dressing room. Max Evans has signed from AFC Totton until the end of the season; he is likely to be joined by Oakley Hanger and Brooklyn Genesini.
So, it’s all set for a breathtaking encounter between two sides who have put in some terrific performances in the last couple of weeks.
Enjoy the game,
Neil Wellington.