TERRAS’ player-manager Jason Matthews expressed his delight at defying the odds to shock Dorset rivals Poole Town and book his side’s place in the next round of the FA Trophy.

Weymouth will now head to Whitehawk on Saturday, December 10, in the first round proper of the national competition, thanks to goals from Chris Shephard and Stuart Fleetwood in a 2-0 win over Poole at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Reflecting on the tie as a whole, Matthews told Echosport: “It was a big draw for us to get Poole and a really tricky tie, one that probably, nobody would have had us down to win.

“But we did a really good job over the two games and it would be really nice to play teams like Poole on a regular basis because I think it has been a good spectacle for the neutral.

“For us to come out on top, I am absolutely delighted.”

On last night’s encounter, he continued: “I am delighted for Fleets to get his first goal for the club and I think, overall, he has had a big influence in the dressing room.

“Our squad was stretched to the limit and, credit to the boys, I am really pleased.”

And the Weymouth chief, who has been under severe pressure in the job throughout recent weeks, is hopeful this big victory can lead to an upturn in league form.

“It gives us massive confidence,” he said. “I was under no illusion that, after the defeat against Merthyr, something needed to change.

“I have clamped down on a few things. I would class myself as an easy-going guy but I have had to fight for my life and fight for my job and we have done that.

“It’s only half a job done and there is a long way to go in this season, it’s all to play for.”