STURMINSTER MARSHALL 1 WEYMOUTH RESERVES 3

MANAGER Jake Richmond is hoping there is still more to come from his Terras’ Reserves group as they stuttered to victory against new boys Sturminster Marshall.

Weymouth survived a scare when Stur’s Albert Harwood put his side ahead in the opening minute of the contest, after the visitors sloppily gave away possession in midfield.

“We emphasised the fact we needed to start well and get out the blocks quickly and did the complete opposite,” Richmond said.

The visitors, who had first-team squad members Sam Poole and Luke Winsper in their ranks for the full 90 minutes, then drew level five minutes before the break when Ashley Staines found Jamie Beasley at the far post, who played the ball back across for Sean Zima to head home.

And with 15 minutes left, Staines sent another sweeping diagonal ball over to Beasley, who this time found Carl McClements who opened his account to put Richmond’s side ahead.

Replacement Paul Ford then capped the win six minutes from time as he picked up a loose ball and his first-time strike made it three, but in the grand scheme of things, the reserves’ boss thinks his side have considerable room for improvement.

He said: “I’m not pleased with the performance, if I’m honest, but it will come in time.

“We weren’t really incisive enough but we stuck to the task and it was a bit of an ugly win in the end.”

Terras: Boyt, Harvey, Staines, Butcher, Poole, Critchell (Pidgely 82), G Will (Chatterton 60), Beasley, Winsper, McClements, Zima (P Ford 70) Subs not used: Anstey, J Will

With their opening victory secured, Richmond will now look to fire up his troops as they take on champions Portland United at Grove Corner this evening (6.30pm).

He added: “In the scheme of things it would look like a massive game because it’s first against second from last season but I’m not bothered about it, to be honest.

“For us, it’s about people like Luke Winsper getting 90 minutes or anyone else who might be sent down from the first team getting minutes, and about the youngsters gaining experience.

“Portland will want to win the league again and they have the best squad in the league because they have won it two years running, they are the benchmark for the Dorset Premier League.

“My lads are looking at pushing for the first team, that’s what it’s all about for us.”

Bridport Reserves opened their Dorset Premier League season with a 2-1 win at Poole Boro-ugh, thanks to a brace from Ben Clarke. The Bees host Swanage Town & Herston tonight (7.45pm).