WARREN Byerley has insisted it is up to the players “to make it happen” at the Bob Lucas Stadium this afternoon.

Having claimed just one win from seven competitive home games so far this season, Weymouth go into today’s crucial FA Cup second qualifying round tie with unbeaten Evo-Stik Division One South & West leaders Hungerford Town (3pm) under pressure in more ways than one.

With a £4,500 prize purse at stake, the financial implications of the clash are massive but the performance is just as important.

Terras’ fans have been left extremely frustrated by recent displays at Radipole Lane and it has started to cause a drop in attendances, with just 421 turning out for last weekend’s 1-1 league draw with Barwell.

Byerley fully understands the supporters’ concerns but is adamant everything is being done to turn the situation around.

He told Echosport: “Today’s match is massive. It could make or break the year and we need a result big time.

“We have also got to put in a performance as Make it happen the last few weeks have been frustrating. A few of the lads seem to be panicking when they get on the ball at the moment and we desperately need a bit more composure.

“Brendon King is trying to get the team to play but rather than risk making a mistake, some of the boys are just sending it long. We also need to get the ball in the box quicker.

“People are making good runs and getting in good positions but we are not spotting them or playing the right balls at the right times.”

Byerley, who has scored five goals so far this season, added: “It is hard because we are still a fairly young and inexperienced side, and the last thing we can afford to do is knock anyone’s confidence.

“The work-rate is there in training and games but we just need to have that belief to keep getting the ball down and playing. And that is where the fans can help us a lot by getting right behind us and encouraging some of the younger ones.

“When someone has a go at me from the terraces it spurs me on but for some of the other lads it kills their game and we just cannot afford that.

“Having said that though, it is up to us players to make it happen and give the fans something to look forward to.

“That is solely our responsibility and we need to start taking that on as a unit.”

No one epitomises the Terras’ determination to turn the tide more than Byerley, who is continuing to play through the pain of a broken nose.

He said: “I went to the hospital again on Wednesday as I was breathing a bit funny and it looks like I am going to have to have an operation. However, I am going to put it off for a bit because we have some big games coming up.”

* A fans’ forum will be held after the game (5pm) in the Weyline Lounge.

Match Sponsor: Tecan Ltd in memory of Tyrel (Sam) Walker. Man of the Match Sponsor: Qwikfast Ltd.

Mascot Sponsor: New Body Personal Training & Fitness.