SWANAGE T&H 0

WEYMOUTH RESERVES 1

CHRIS Povall produced a stunning display between the posts as Weymouth Reserves picked up an impressive win at Swanage Town & Herston in the Magna Dorset Premier League.

The young stopper made several fine saves throughout the game, including a penalty stop in the first half after he had been harshly adjudged to have brought down a Swans’ forward.

Liam Gould eventually grabbed what proved to be the winner for the Terras on 47 minutes before a fine rearguard action in the closing stages ensured a third clean sheet on the spin.

Joint-boss Jake Richmond said: “I am absolutely buzzing at the moment.

“On chances we probably didn’t deserve to win it but a lot of the younger lads really grew up on the day as we dug in to get the points.

“Chris was absolutely brilliant and made some outstanding saves.

“He tipped a 25-yard free-kick over the bar on 12 minutes and then went full-stretch to his right to push another effort around a post just moments later.

“That was then followed by the penalty.

“Chris came off his line and took the ball clean at one of their striker’s feet but for some reason the referee pointed to the spot, claiming he had taken the man as well.

“We could not believe it but justice was done when their lad tried to put the spot-kick down the middle only for Chris to raise a leg and send the ball around a post.

“Adam Skelton, Adam Anstey and Jamie Frampton were all getting stuck in but some of the younger lads were like rabbits caught in headlights in the first half, so we really got into them at the break and within two minutes of the second half we were ahead when Liam fired home from 22 yards following a through ball from Josh Houghton.

“After that Swanage bombarded us with long balls but we stood up to the task.

“They are a very physical and clever side but we competed for every tackle and hung on with Lee Sharpe, Anstey and Jamie leading the way at the back.

“We finished the game battered and bruised with Josh suffering a black eye and Lee having stud marks all up his legs but in many ways that was why it was the most pleasing result of the season so far for me.

“To go to such a tough place and battle it out like we did in wet and heavy conditions was a true test of character and the lads deserve huge praise for their efforts.”

Richmond went on to add: “The majority of the lads are still under 22 and the progress they have made over the last few weeks has just been fantastic.

“In many ways it is a shame the season is coming to an end but there are still a few games left and hopefully we can continue the momentum.”

The Terras have taken 10 points from their last four games and now sit 13th in the table. Their next assignment will see them host fourth-placed Wincanton Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Terras: Povall, Sharpe, Frampton, Anstey, Morley, Jarvis (Moore 65), Skelton, Head, Zima (Stroud 84), Gould, Houghton (Taylor 66).