NIALL Thompson could start for the Terras tonight following an impressive debut at Chippenham Town.

The Torquay United loanee came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Hardenhuish and almost helped turn the tables.

His electric pace caused the Bluebirds a lot of problems in the final half-hour and it has certainly given boss Jason Matthews food for thought ahead of this evening’s trip to Bashley (7.45pm).

The Weymouth player-manager said: “There is every chance Niall could start tonight but we will just have to wait and see.

“Not only did he set our goal up on Saturday but he was frighteningly quick and could be just what we need.

“What I will be after this evening is a reaction.

“Bashley is likely to be boggy and we will need to adapt our game accordingly.

“We failed to do that in the wet and windy conditions at Chippenham and because of that there could well be a couple of changes.”

The Bash currently sit bottom of the Calor Southern Premier Division with just nine points from 24 games. However, they did claim a draw at Burnham on Saturday and should not be underestimated.

Matthews added: “We will treat them with the respect they deserve and, as far as I’m concerned, it’s another tough away game.

“They have brought in a couple of players on loan from League clubs and it will be up to us to go there and put in a big performance.”

Ashley Wells (groin) and Luke Winsper (ankle) are both major doubts for the Terras while Simon Evans, Kyle Critchell, Dave Allen and Jamie Symes remain long-term absentees through either injury or illness.

Luke Burbidge also continues to be the subject of a seven-day approach from Poole Town but the signs are he will be going nowhere.

Matthews explained: “Luke has said he is very happy at Weymouth and that he would like to stay and sign a contract.

“Although you can never be 100 per cent sure of anything in football, I am hopeful he will remain with us.”

The Terras currently sit 12th in the Southern Premier, four points adrift of the top eight, with games in hand on the four teams directly above them.

Terras: Matthews, Poole, M Walker, Wells, McConnell, Green, Rigg, Kelly, Winsper, Burbidge, S Walker, Thompson, Joyce, Yetton, McClements.