DESPITE Weymouth eventually rallying from two goals down to pick up a point at home against Banbury United, Terras’ boss Jason Matthews felt his side’s first-half showing was “bitterly disappointing”.

Facing up against a Puritans’ outfit in good form, Matthews even went as far as saying his side were “taught a footballing lesson” in the opening period in the 2-2 draw.

He told Echosport: “I can’t fault the endeavour from us but the actual quality in the first half from us was poor. We got taught a footballing lesson in the first half, which was bitterly disappointing for me.

“Banbury gave us a lesson and played the system that we play. They played it an awful lot better than us and I thought we were lucky to only be one behind at half-time.

“I was going to change it around but the boys dug ourselves out of it with the goal before half-time. I think that probably saved us.”

He added: “In the second half I thought we were a lot better. Bringing on Mark Molesley had a really positive impact on the game.

“I think the character of the team is a lot better this season, in the previous two seasons we probably would have rolled over in a game like that when we were totally outplayed in the first half.

“With our performance in the second half we probably just deserved to get a draw.”

Matthews also swooped to sign young defender Toby Down on a month’s loan from Exeter ahead of the game.

Asked about his display, the Terras’ boss added: “I felt that he had a bit of a baptism of fire.

“He is a first year pro and he will learn a lot while he is here. I thank Exeter a lot for letting us have him at late notice.”