Video courtesy of Weymouth FC

JASON Matthews is excited about the prospect of Thursday’s local derby against Poole Town and is backing his men to rise to the challenge.

The Weymouth caretaker-manager masterminded a 4-1 win over Bedford Town on Saturday but knows the Dolphins will present a much tougher challenge.

Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day home clash, which is expected to attract a bumper crowd, Matthews told Echosport: “It is a massive game, there is no doubt about it.

“The boys will be back in today to train and, by Thursday, we will be raring to go again.

“I am under no illusions about just how tough it is going to be because Poole have a very good squad.

“They would have watched us on Saturday and they will be coming here looking to put one over on us.

“However, for me, it is all about how we approach it at the end of the day, and if we dig in and compete like we have done in the last two games and keep it tight, we will stand every chance.”

Another positive result against Poole would not only be a welcome lift for the players and the fans, but it would also boost Matthews’ cause to take on the manager’s job on a permanent basis.

The experienced keeper was “chuffed” to bits following the victory over Bedford and was quick to praise his players afterwards.

He said: “I asked the boys to play at a high tempo and in the first 20 minutes we did that and put them under the cosh.

“We then got the opening goal and a second soon after, and from there we always looked comfortable.

“I was a bit worried at half-time that they might call the game off following the huge downpour we had but the guys that got out on the pitch to fork it at the break did a fantastic job.

“The goal we conceded right at the end was obviously disappointing but overall I was delighted with the performance.”

Stewart Yetton and Luke Burbidge both netted braces for the Terras and there was also a debut for Bristol Rovers loanee Jake Green.

Matthews continued: “The fact I dropped Mark Ford to the bench was harsh because he did a great job for me the previous week.

“However, Jake Green came in and gave us a bit more balance at left back and that is something I think we have probably been missing all season.

“Luke Burbidge also got down the outside of his man and was a constant threat out wide and I thought Danny Clay did a great job in the midfield, winning some big tackles.

“That is the Luke and Danny I want playing for me, and I thought Ben Joyce was outstanding too.

“We went 4-4-2 in the end to give Stewart Yetton a bit more support, and despite the conditions, Ben really did show what he can do when he gets the balls in those attacking areas.”