8:42am Tuesday 11th March 2008
WEYMOUTH boss John Hollins has warned his players that they will have to "work even harder" if they are to beat Farsley Celtic in tonight's relegation six-pointer at the Wessex Stadium (7.45pm).
The Terras showed tremendous character on Saturday to bounce back from last week's hammering by Forest Green Rovers with a 1-0 success over play-off contenders Stevenage Borough but Hollins is expecting this evening's clash to be an even tougher proposition.
Weymouth remain fourth from bottom just one point adrift of Farsley so victory would be a major boost to their chances of survival.
However, the Celts are going to be no pushovers having claimed three wins from their last five games. Their latest victory came at home at the weekend against second-placed Cambridge United who they beat 2-1.
Hollins said: "Games like tonight's are harder than the ones against higher-placed opposition because people will expect us to win.
"It means we will have to work even harder to get the result but there were some very good signs on Saturday and if we can build on those and perhaps tweak a few little things here and there then we should stand a great chance.
"What Saturday proved was that everyone can win as long as they are willing to put in the hard work.
"We looked like a unit of players, the balance was right and I could not fault anyone but we now need to build on that and tonight will be a big test."
Marcus Browning will again miss out but Sido Jombarti is back available after recovering from a groin problem.
Another player who did not figure on Saturday was club captain Simon Weatherstone despite being fit for selection.
Hollins added: "We keep churning things around because it keeps everyone on their toes. It also keeps everyone focused.
"Kyle Critchell got a knock on Saturday but he is made of tough stuff and I am sure he will shake it off. Sido Jombarti is also back fit but Marcus is still out."
Browning limped off during the defeat against Forest Green with a recurring Achilles injury but he is hopeful of a return soon.
He said: "It is not feeling too bad at the moment but I am still another week off yet.
"I played through it in games when in hindsight perhaps I should not have but I just wanted to try and help out. All I can do now is just try and stay off it and rest it as much as I can."
Commenting on Saturday's win, Browning added: "It was a fantastic performance under the circumstances and just what we needed. It is a nice confidence boost ahead of the Farsley game which is a massive one for us."
Hollins feared after Saturday's match that Trevor Challis would have to serve a suspension for picking up his fifth caution of the season.
Even the full back thought he would be given a one-match ban but now the Terras believe that the deadline for suspensions for an accumulation of bookings has passed and are awaiting confirmation from the FA.
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Brummy Terra, Birmingham says...
12:27pm Tue 11 Mar 08