ALEX Halloran admits it would be an “amazing” achievement for Weymouth to beat the drop – and is tipping his team-mates to bounce back when they entertain Evesham United this weekend.
The former Portland United man, who can operate at full-back or in midfield, experienced mixed emotions last Saturday as his first competitive goals for the club were not enough to protect the Terras’ unbeaten home run.
Halloran netted a brace at a sodden Bob Lucas Stadium but by that stage Banbury United were out of sight, eventually earning a 4-2 win against the 10-man hosts.
Despite the defeat – their first at home since mid-September – Wey-mouth remain eight points adrift of safety in the Zamaretto Premier Division.
Halloran said: “It would be amazing if we could stay up. With the 10-point deduction at the start of the season, the only thing we were thinking was to get out of the relegation zone.
“We’re getting there slowly and although we were knocked back on Saturday we will get back up and hopefully get out of it.
“We are disappointed the home run has come to an end. We had been playing well and it’s great to play in front of the Weymouth crowd as they are brilliant.
“We’re at home again on Saturday so we’ll work hard once more.”
Halloran climbed four rungs on the non-League ladder when he switched Grove Corner for Radipole Lane this summer.
The 23-year-old added: “For a lot of us local lads it’s a great chance to play for our home-town. It’s a step up from the level we’re used to playing at. You’ve got to enjoy every minute but also work hard for the team.”
Reflecting on Saturday’s loss, in which Ollie Tribe was dismissed after just four minutes, Halloran said: “It was a bit gutting going down to 10 men so quickly but it was a bad start from all of us and it put us under pressure straight away.
“We got closer to them in the second half, we also knocked the ball around a bit more and it brought a few chances.
“The rain was awful and one of the worst conditions I’ve ever played in. All you can do is get on with it.”
Halloran was also quick to play down his second strike – a fine lob from 35 yards.
He added: “I was a bit tired actually so I thought I’d just hit it. The keeper was off his line, luckily it curled around him and just went in.”
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