CHAMPION SHOW: Matthew Bailey

ALDERSHOT TOWN 0

WEYMOUTH 0

WEYMOUTH earned a superb point to ensure their survival in the Blue Square Premier at the Recreation Ground last night.

They played their part in an emotional evening in great style, by not only thwarting the Shots' powerful attack, but by giving the home defence plenty to think about.

Terras boss John Hollins made two changes from Saturday's victory over Kidderminster Harriers.

Justyn Roberts was called into the centre of defence to replace the injured Chris Blackburn while Michael Malcolm returned from injury and took the place of Marcus Browning who dropped to the bench.

Midfielder Paolo Vernazza was added to the substitutes' bench.

Although Simon Weatherstone brought an early save from Nikki Bull, Aldershot, spurred on by a terrific crowd, had several chances early in the half.

Rob Gier saw his effort well blocked by James Coutts, Roberts did well to break up a good move between Kirk Hudson and Louie Soares and keeper Stephen Henderson made the first of a series of fine saves to keep out John Grant's effort.

As Aldershot's early pressure ebbed Weymouth began to make inroads of their own. Kyle Critchell's cross caused confusion before Ricky Newman headed clear and Matthew Bailey headed a Stuart Beavon cross just wide.

HAILING THE BOSS: John Hollins with the Terras fans

The Shots came back with Lewis Chalmers, Elvins and Grant combining in great fashion before Grant put Elvins in, but Henderson put his body on the line to save bravely.

Weatherstone forced Bull to save and Bailey was narrowly wide with another headed effort while at the other end Scott Doe cleared off the goal-line on the stroke of half-time from Soares.

The second half started in controversial fashion when - with just 40 seconds on the clock - Grant bullied his way into the box before falling under Doe's innocuous challenge.

The referee awarded a penalty, but justice was done as Grant sent the spot-kick against a post and the Terras cleared.

Once again Weymouth took the early sting out of Aldershot play and came back into the game as Weatherstone shot wide and another Bailey header flew narrowly past the upright.

Mikhail Jaimez-Ruiz, on as a substitute goalkeeper for Bull, saved well from Malcolm and Bailey before the home side broke and Chalmers had plenty of time to get his shot in, but hit the ball well over the crossbar.

Henderson pulled off another fine save from Soares and then held on to a dangerous cross from Ben Harding, before play switched to the other end and Weather-stone's corner deceived the home defence before dropping onto the roof of the net.

Hudson's shot beat Henderson but flashed past the post and the Terras' keeper had to be at his best to deny Harding with a top-class save.

As the game moved on it became apparent that the Terras might be in for a three-point haul as they were now looking the more confident side.

The referee ignored claims for a penalty as substitute Stuart Douglas was elbowed off the ball by Newman before Rhys Day was forced to clear Douglas' headed effort, from Weatherstone's free-kick, off his own goal-line, with the keeper well beaten.

However, despite pressure from the Terras, the game came to a goal-less end allowing both sets of supporters the opportunity to celebrate.

The travelling Weymouth supporters and players enjoyed a deserved escape from relegation with gusto before joining the home fans in acclaiming the league champions.

9:16am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Print   Email this   Comment
Have something to say? Join the Echo Forum or contact the sports desk direct.