WEYMOUTH RESERVES 1

WAREHAM RANGERS 1

THIS was a point gained rather than two dropped in the eyes of Terras’ boss Jake Richmond.

The Weymouth chief was imp-ressed with Wareham and felt the visitors were unlucky not to be awarded what he felt was a clear-cut penalty near the end.

With second-placed Merley winning at Swanage Town & Herston, Weymouth’s lead at the top of the Dorset Premier League is now down to a single point.

Merley are without a game tomorrow as the Terras, who have played a game more, go to Parley Sports (3pm) looking to get back on the winning trail.

Richmond knows they will have to play better than they did against Wareham if they want to do that.

A rare mistake by keeper Ryan Park allowed Rangers to take an early lead at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Wednesday night.

But the hosts hit back almost instantly when Carl McClements slotted in at the second attempt having gone through one-on-one with the visitors’ stopper.

And that was how it stayed until the final whistle as both sides cancelled each other out to finish locked at 1-1.

“We didn’t really perform as well as we can,” said Richmond. “We had five lads in the side that hadn’t had much game time and we looked a bit leggy.

“We are normally in the faces of the opposition but we seemed a yard off it.

“I can’t fault the effort and endeavour of my lads and they got a point when playing poorly.”

He added: “I’m delighted to get a point and I don’t look at it as two points dropped.

“The lads are gutted because they want to win the league but I’m not considering that.

“It’s another bit of experience for them, especially for the youn-ger lads.”

Terras: Park, Sharpe, Butcher, Poole, Pidgely, G Will, Asagba (Anstey 80), Chatterton (Harvey 68), Zima, Jevon (Staines 52), McClements. Sub not used: J Will

Meanwhile, Portland United, who are three points adrift of Weymouth with four games in hand, are home to Blandford United tomorrow (3pm).

Carl Mutch, Adam Linaker, Ben Doidge and Ed Bastic are all unavailable for the Blues but Sam Pattison has rejoined the club having returned from travelling in Australia.

Boss Gary Bailey has also signed Jamie Beasley on dual registration from Dorchester Town and he will come into the match- day squad.

“We must create some momentum heading into a very busy run- in,” said Bailey. “We haven’t played at home for four weeks so it will be nice to be back on our own patch.”

“Blandford will come into the game with no fear as they got the better of us at their place and we are fully aware we need to be at our best in every game if we are to be successful.”

Bridport Reserves can have a say on the title race tomorrow when they go to Hamworthy Recreation (3pm).

* In the Dorset Senior League, Chickerell United have Dan Welch, Elliot Stone and Joel Protheroe back for their trip to Kingston Lacy (3pm).