MARK Ford was the hero for Weymouth as they guaranteed their Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division status with a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Hitchin Town on Saturday.

The young striker came off the bench and won a penalty and then went on to bag the winner after the Canaries had opened the scoring through Luke Gregson.

The result has taken the Terras up to 16th spot, five points clear of the drop-zone with just one game remaining but boss Brendon King still feels that position does not reflect their efforts over the course of the season.

He told Echosport: “When we went one down I thought it was going to be one of those days again but the lads kept working and showed tremendous character to come back and pull off a fantastic result under huge pressure.

“Over the past few weeks things have not gone our way but it’s all about what happens over the course of the season and I still believe we should be a lot higher than where we are.

“We can all breathe a huge sigh of relief now and I am just delighted for Nigel Biddlecombe and the board, the players and of course the fans.

“Staying up is what everyone deserves at this football club for their efforts this season and it was just nice to see so many happy people at the final whistle.”

Reflecting on the game, King added: “I have felt for a while now that something had to go our way sooner rather than later and there is no doubt we got that little bit of luck at the weekend, which we haven’t had for a long time.

“Rhys Baggridge cleared one off the line at 1-0, the penalty was debatable, our second goal had a suspicion of offside, and perhaps Fordy was even a little fortunate to get away with a booking for a mistimed challenge just after he came on.

“There is no doubt that he caught the lad but it wasn’t malicious and thankfully the referee showed a bit of common sense and just gave him a booking.”

Ford’s winning strike was his seventh goal in just 15 outings since joining the club and King was astounded by the manner of the finish.

He went on to say: “It was a great ball by Stephen Reed but Fordy still had a lot to do and the composure he showed to go round the keeper was just outstanding.

“Considering he was only playing Dorset Premier League football not so long ago, to come on and do that in front of over 600 people in such a high-pressure situation was just phenomenal and it is something you cannot teach.”

The Terras can now go to Redditch United on the final day of the season on Saturday in a relaxed frame of mind and chairman Biddlecombe cannot wait.

He said: “The last few weeks have been hard for everyone but now we can relax and go to Redditch and enjoy it.

“The way the lads came back on Saturday was terrific and I am just delighted for them and the supporters.

“After some of our recent results, the fans could have easily chosen to stay away but they turned out in numbers and proved they love the club just as much as I do.

“Relegation would have cost us in the region of £50,000 so staying in this division was massive for us and now we can get on with building for next season.”

* Warren Byerley picked up the supporters’ player of the season award before kick-off on Saturday while Ashley Wells is understood to be close to signing a contract.

* Weymouth FC’s End of Season Presentation Party will take place at the ground on May 5 (from 7.30pm). To reserve your tickets email contact@uptheterras.co.uk