BRENDON King has issued three commands to his wounded troops ahead of tonight’s huge clash against play-off contenders Chesham United at the Bob Lucas Stadium (7.45pm).

The Terras’ boss, who is still smarting from Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against 10-man Arlesey Town, is calling for passion, heart and bravery as his side’s fate in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division continues to hang dangerously in the balance.

Since the turn of the year, Weymouth have picked up just 14 points from a possible 45 – a run that has seen them fall to within four points of the drop-zone.

When asked for his thoughts ahead of this evening, King told Echosport: “I am hoping for a response.

“I have spoken to the lads but whether I get one or not, I won’t know until they step out there.

“I’ll be looking for passion, heart and most importantly that key component of playing without fear.

“On Saturday, we were too frightened of making mistakes and were launching the ball far too much.

“Whether that was down to the flurry of late goals we have conceded in recent games I do not know but you could see that some of the lads just wanted the ball as far away from our goal as possible.

“The one thing we have done this season is played good football and we need to be brave and get back to that. Although recent results make disappointing reading, our performances have not been that bad.

“We were below par on Saturday and against Hemel Hempstead Town a few weeks ago but apart from that our other displays have deserved more than what they have got, particularly the ones against Bedford Town, Barwell, Swindon Supermarine and even maybe Brackley Town.”

King went on to add: “In runs like these it is important to remain realistic.

“With the exception of one or two, the players are the same ones that beat AFC Totton and St Albans City not so long ago when they were grabbing all the plaudits, so we know they are more than capable.

“There was no excuse against Arlesey but we have not been getting the rub of the green of late and as long as we work hard and fight for everything that will change.

“Spells like this tend to show you just what characters you have and tonight we will see just how much these lads want to be a part of Weymouth FC.”

Injuries and unavailabilities have also proved a major disruption for the Terras in recent weeks with Nick Jor-dan and Sam Poole still sidelined, and Tom Manley absent due to work commitments.

Craig Duff has also been suffering with tonsillitis while Ollie Tribe and Scott Dixon have been carrying knocks.

King said: “Again, it is certainly no excuse, but realistically that is something else that has gone against us of late but hopefully that is starting to change.

“Ben returned on Saturday and Craig, Ollie and Scott have all had a couple of extra days’ rest now.

“The only one we are worried about at present is War-ren Byerley following the hefty challenge that led to the sending off on Saturday.

“That tackle left him very sore with four stud marks down his shin but hopefully he will be okay.”

Byerley, whose goal tally stands at 25, has played in every minute of the 49 games the Terras have played this season in the league, FA Cup, FA Trophy and Red Insure Cup.

The only game he has missed so far is the Dorset Senior Cup defeat against Dorchester Town.