SHAFTESBURY TOWN 3 WEYMOUTH RESERVES 1

MANAGER Bradley Asagba was left to question his side’s character as Weymouth Reserves succumbed to their first defeat of the season in the Dorset Premier League.

The Terras were leading 1-0 at the break against Shaftesbury Town but crumbled after three strikes in quick succession from the hosts.

“Given the position we put ourselves in and being quite comfortable, to give it away in the manner we did was quite disappointing,” Asagba told Echosport.

“I don’t know if it was a case of a difference in ability or maybe more of a difference in character.

"Shaftesbury have been able to assemble a good squad in terms of characters.

“We knew going into the second half that they would come again. It was about getting through that spell and, unfortunately, we didn’t.

“We did create chances in the second half but our concentration levels, desire and focus just went out the window.

“We were taught a bit of a lesson in character and what it takes to win tough matches.

"The complete lack of character and the way we folded was very disappointing.”

The Terras had 1-0 after 24 minutes when Ashley Ayley’s corner was driven in and Conor Jevon got across his man to head into the net.

But the hosts' quickfire triple strike came 10 minutes after the interval, allowing the Rockies to seal their sixth win in seven league games.

Dan Peart also missed a penalty for the Terras with around eight minutes remaining.

Commenting on Shaftesbury, Asagba believes that with the squad they have assembled this season the Rockies are more than capable of going on to lift the league title.

He added: “They have to be up there and I think that if it looks like they won’t be then they will strengthen their squad again.

“They have made it quite clear that they are looking to win the league and I think they will.

“I don’t think they are head and shoulders better than anything else in the league but they will certainly be top-two or three and anyone that finishes above them will certainly have a great chance of winning it.”

Weymouth now sit sixth in the table on 17 points, seven adrift of leaders Balti Sports, and entertain Merley Cobham Sports in their next league game on October 10.

Terras: S Higgins, Michie, Butcher, Anstey, Zima, Ayley (Peart), Cullingford, Beals (Carter), Jevon, Pidgley (Head), Bergin. Sub not used: Asagba