THE only way the Terras are going to start climbing the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division table is through sheer hard work according to Brendon King.

The Weymouth boss was impressed with his side’s battling qualities in last Saturday’s victory at Banbury United but has warned that must continue if they are to stand any chance of turning their season around.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home clash against Hitchin Town (3pm), King told Echosport: “That victory at Banbury has given us a platform but Hitchin will certainly be no pushovers.

“They have one of the top scorers in the league over the last few seasons in John Frendo and they have signed a few different players this year, so it is going to be difficult.

“However, if we play like we did in the second half at Banbury there is no reason why we cannot win the game.”

King went on to add: “Expectations here are higher than last season and arguably that is only right with the squad we have got but so far things haven’t quite clicked and the only way it will is through hard work, which was proven last weekend.

“The whole shape of the side looked a lot better in the second half and we were a lot more solid but what impressed me most was the way we were willing to dig in and fight for everything, which has sometimes been lacking.

“No matter what the standard, you have no given right to win any game, you have to earn it, and at Banbury we did exactly that.”

Despite that victory, King has continued to receive criticism from some quarters, particularly following Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Poole Town in the Red Insure Cup.

The Terras’ boss admitted before the tie that it was a long way down on the list of his priorities, which did not sit well with certain fans.

However, his cautious approach has led to no fresh injury concerns going into tomorrow’s game.

He said: “Sam Poole is still having treatment on his groin but should be okay and Kyle Critchell should be too.

“On Tuesday night, we tried to protect both players as much as possible and it looks like they are going to come through.

“There is also good news regarding Ashley Wells, who will have a half for the reserves tomorrow.

“He has been working so hard over the past few months and it is great to see him back.”

It also appears King could be on the verge of bringing in a new signing over the next few days.

He went on to say: “I am in advanced talks with someone and at the moment it is looking good. At this moment in time though, I cannot say any more than that.”

The Terras currently sit 16th in the table, one point and three places adrift of Hitchin, who have played two games less.

Terras (from): Evans, Povall, Perry, Poole, Palmer, Critchell, McConnell, Clarke, Dixon, Walker, Clay, Reed, Duff, Smith, Groves, Joyce, Ford.