Reid raid (From Dorset Echo)

Reid raid

9:00am Friday 11th December 2009 in Club News By Ky Capel

IAN Hutchinson is fighting to keep hold of top scorer Jake Reid following an approach from Weston-super-Mare.

The fellow Blue Square South outfit have made a seven-day approach for the striker, who is on non-contract terms with the Terras.

Hutchinson though, is hopeful of retaining Reid’s services. He said: “Jake says he doesn’t want to go and that he’s committed to the cause, and we desperately want to keep hold of him.

“He’s been a great character and he’s been fantastic for us on the pitch.”

Reid is still expected to front Weymouth’s attack tomorrow when Hutchinson believes a “never-say-die” attitude could lead the Terras to an FA Trophy upset (3pm).

Weymouth play host to Blue Square Premier outfit Salisbury City with the winner earning a spot in the second round of the competition and £5,000 in prize money.

The Terras, currently bottom of Blue Square South, go into the first round tie as underdogs but will take heart from last Saturday’s second-half performance at Braintree, which saw them come within a whisker of wiping out a three-goal deficit.

Boss Hutchinson said: “We go into the game as underdogs but it’s a good draw for us as we’re at home and it’s something of a local derby. Hopefully that means Salisbury will bring a few fans with them, which will help in terms of extra revenue.

“And of course there is the carrot dangling in front of us that is the extra prize money on offer.

“If we get at them with a never-say-die spirit hopefully we can get something from the game.

“Last Saturday was a minor setback but if we start tomorrow like we finished the game at Braintree we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Despite the club being crippled by a debt of approximately £700,000, Hutchinson has been handed funds to strengthen his squad.

The Terras’ chief has also been given a list of potential signings from club chairman George Rolls.

He added: “We’re working hard to strengthen the squad. George has banded a few names and I appreciate that. But whoever we bring in has to be right for the club.

“There are a couple of players I’m trying to chase but whether anything happens in time for tomorrow’s game is another matter.”

Scott Brice is expected to overcome a dead leg and lead the Terras out at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow but fellow defender Andy Harris (knee) is set to miss out once again.

Midfielder Dean Smith, who has not featured since the end of October, has been released from his contract.

Hutchinson said: “Dean Smith has been released by mutual consent. He’s been struggling to commit to the cause due to work commitments but we wish him all the best as he’s a great lad.”

Terras (from): Harrison, Byfield, McGuinness, Frampton, Brice, Obaze, Slocombe, Loader, Dixon, Rose, Allen, Nicholls, Radcliffe, Groves, Reid, Llewellyn, Foster.

* Weymouth Reserves are without a fixture this weekend.