TERRAS’ manager Jason Matthews believed a lack of desire during his side’s disjointed first- half display against Slough Town ultimately cost Weymouth in their 3-0 reverse on Saturday.

The rampant Rebels struck three times in the opening 36 minutes, including the opener after just 25 seconds, condemning Matthews’ men to back-to-back league defeats.

“It was a very disappointing start again and that’s the second game running that we haven’t started well and we were punished,” he told Echosport.

“They did to us what Paulton did to us on Tuesday, for me that is disappointing.

“We lacked a bit of desire for the whole first half.

“They worked our centre-halves really hard for their goals and their desire was greater than ours, that cost us in the grand scheme of things.

“We huffed and puffed in the second half but never really got back into it.”

Despite the defeat, Matthews was pleased with the performances of Exeter City loan duo Connor Riley-Lowe and Jamie Reid, who both started on their Weymouth debuts.

He added: “Connor came in and did very well at left-back, Reidy is feeling his way back in and it probably wasn’t a game for Jamie. He gives you a little bit of quality and it probably wasn’t his conditions, but on the whole I am happy with their performances.

“I feel the loan signings had a positive impact on us today but we didn’t stick to our game plan and we haven’t executed it well for the last two or three games.”

Although the Terras were toppled for the second time in succession, title rivals Poole Town suffered a home defeat against Redditch United and Corby town were held to a draw at home against Hungerford Town.

Matthews added: “It’s the second half of the season, everyone has watched everyone and they know how to play against each other.

“The results have gone for us and I am still positive.

“I still have full confidence in the lads I have got and the new signings we have brought in.

“It’s up to them to come out on Tuesday and give me a response.”