JASON Matthews is expecting a “big response” from his Weymouth troops at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow (3pm) as they host Biggleswade Town.

In search of their seventh consecutive league win this weekend, the Terras were hit hard by Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Trophy on Tuesday, recording their heaviest reverse this season with a 5-0 loss.

But Matthews’ men, still unbeaten at home in the league, remain favourites for their battle with the Waders, who currently occupy 16th spot in the division with just one win in their last seven games.

The Weymouth boss told Echosport: “It’s another game that we will be expected to win, that’s just become the norm really now and we have to get used to it.

“The lads are disappointed with the way we played on Tuesday but at the end of the day Havant had a purple patch for 20 minutes and we got undone.

“We let ourselves down a little bit but it is no disgrace, they did to us what we have done to a lot of teams this season.

“I have got boys with character in the dressing room and I know I will get a big response out of them.”

Chris Shephard, who failed to feature in either tie against the Hawks due to a groin problem, could provide Matthews with an early Christmas present, as he is set to return against the Waders.

“Shep will come back into the squad,” he added.

“He will have a fitness test but we think he should be fine for tomorrow.

“We will see how he goes and just take it from there. I don’t want to rush him back from a groin injury because I know it could put him out long term.

“I know Shep is an honest lad and he will give me an honest opinion.”

The Terras’ boss also indicated that he is looking to bolster his ranks within the next week in time for a vital festive period.

Speaking about their Christmas fixtures, which includes the Boxing Day derby at Dorchester, he added: “It’s very crucial, it gives us four games and if we can get to 50 points it would be an unbelievable achievement.”

Terras (from): Matthews, Wells, Wannell, Colwell, Laird, Brooks, Kelly, Rigg, Yetton, Jevon, McPhee, Copp, Sills, West, Poole, Shephard