DEFENDER Pat Baldwin insists there are some players in the Terras’ ranks that could “easily play at a higher level”.

The 32-year-old centre-half, snapped up by the club after his contract with Exeter City ended in the summer, also believes that now Weymouth’s squad has had time to settle, they will kick on in their quest for success.

Having recently struggled with a calf problem, the former Colchester man is hoping to be back in the Terras’ squad for today’s anniversary home fixture with Bedworth United at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm).

Asked what he initially expected the quality of the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division to be like, Baldwin said: “I didn’t really expect anything. I signed for Weymouth, was happy and went from there. I was quite laid back about it.

“Things are really good and I am enjoying it.

“I have been pleasantly surprised. Not so much about the standard of who we are playing against but with the standard of players we have in our dressing room.

“There are some good players that could easily play at a higher level.

“In my career I have not come across players that are miles better at all. Especially with some of the young lads that are coming through like Billy (Lowes) and people like that.

“It took us a while to all gel together but I think now we are reaping the benefits of what a good squad we are and how well we get on as a squad.

“Going in and playing with the lads is a highlight every week.”

Baldwin has been an integral part of a stubborn Terras’ backline that has only conceded six league goals in 12 games so far.

Speaking about his injury problem, he added: “I am hoping to be fit and it is feeling okay. It’s one of those injuries where I think I may have a slight tear in there so it’s a question of coming back at the right time.

“The last thing I want to do is break down again. It’s a decision I will have to speak to the manager about and we will go from there.”

Claret & Blue Lottery results (September): 1 Des Monaghan (Weymouth), 2 Barbara Cutts, 3 Ian Gardner.