Caretaker-boss Lewer praises side despite defeat (From Dorset Echo)

Caretaker-boss Lewer praises side despite defeat

8:49am Monday 17th November 2008

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WEYMOUTH caretaker boss Alan Lewer experienced defeat in his first game at the helm at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday but afterwards was quick to back his players.

Lewer and Marcus Browning have taken temporary charge of the Blue Square Premier outfit in the absence of manager John Hollins who has been put on gardening leave while the club carries out an investigation into a possible breach of contract.

And the duo were helpless to stop the Terras slipping to a third successive defeat against in-form Wrexham, who stretched their winning streak to five games with a 3-1 victory.

Nathan Woolfe opened the scoring with a fabulous free-kick before ex-Terra Jefferson Louis and Marc Williams netted two quick-fire goals in the latter stages to put the Red Dragons in full control.

But the result certainly flattered the Welsh outfit, who for much of the second half had to withstand a lot of pressure. The Terras were not rewarded for their efforts until Stuart Beavon fired home a fine consolation in added-time. Lewer said: “I have just spoken to their manager Dean Saunders and he felt we caused them a lot of problems. Had we got on more of the second balls from the flick-ons won by Chris McPhee I think we would have come in level.

“I could not fault the lads for their effort and I think we were a bit unfortunate. Their first goal was a wonderful free-kick that was unstoppable and after half-time we really did put them under pressure but then a little bit of naivety towards the end allowed them to score two quick goals and it was game over.

“They are a strong side and I have no doubt that they will be up there pushing for the play-offs and maybe even automatic promotion.

“They are organised and well drilled but we competed with them throughout and had we had a bit more luck in the box I think we could have got something.”

McPhee had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the first half but Lewer did not want to comment on the incident.

He added: “I have had a word with the referee and I do not really want to comment on that at all. Sometimes decisions go your way and on another they don’t, and I felt we did not get the rub of the green in certain areas.”

To make matters worse for Weymouth they also saw two of their men pick up fifth bookings.

Lewer said: “Santos Gaia and Chris are both now suspended for Saturday’s trip to Barrow which is a blow and it is certainly going to stretch our resources. We are now probably down to 12 players for that game but we just have to get on with it.

“I thought the fans today were excellent in the way they got behind us and now we must concentrate on preparing for the Woking game on Tuesday.”

When asked for any updates on Hollins’ situation, Lewer added: “I would rather not comment on that. That is down to the club and John Hollins.”

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