Terras must find cutting edge to avoid drop – Hollins

8:47am Monday 17th March 2008

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WEYMOUTH boss John Hollins has declared that his side must become "more positive" in front of goal if they are to stand any chance of beating the drop.

His comments came after last night's cruel 2-1 Blue Square Premier defeat at play-off contenders Burton Albion where his side deserved at least a point after creating several golden opportunities.

James Coutts gave the Terras the lead and when Stephen Henderson saved Daryl Clare's penalty just a couple of minutes later it looked like it was going to be the visitors' day.

However, Weymouth then missed two great chances to extend their advantage when Franklin Anzite missed a spot-kick and Anton Robinson wasted a great one-on-one opportunity.

Albion had clearly got out of jail and they managed to survive more scares in the second half as goals from former Terra John McGrath and John Brayford turned the tables.

Hollins said: "I am absolutely gutted because we could and should have been 3-0 up at half-time if it had not been for a sloppy penalty from Franklin and a bad miss from Anton.

"Anton really should have taken more responsibility and gone past the keeper and stuck it in when he was put clean through. He said he heard a shout and that is why he tried to square it but in those types of situations you cannot listen for things like that because the call could have been made by anybody.

"We ended up going in one up and after the break we still created chances with Anton going through again and James Coutts having a couple at the far post. Coutts also put over a great ball for Michael Malcolm when we were 2-1 down but somehow he missed the opportunity.

"In our last three games we have created a lot of chances and you can see things are starting to change and improve but we have got to be more positive when those opportunities come along. We are now looking like a side that is capable of scoring goals but we have got to start getting two or three in a game rather than just one."

Hollins also felt his side fell victim to several poor refereeing decisions.

He said: "It was a definite foul on Scott Doe for their second goal. Their guy was pulling him down but the referee did not give it. I also did not think it was a foul for their penalty but Stephen managed to keep it out anyway and at that point I thought our luck had changed."

Henderson suffered a blow to the head in the immediate aftermath of his spot-kick save when he made a brave block in the follow up. Minutes later, he was forced to withdraw from the contest with double vision, handing a debut to David Roberts.

Hollins said: "David came on and I thought he did extremely well. He has played at the top level in regards to his time at Liverpool and it is clear nothing fazes him. There was nothing he could do about their two goals and he did not let us down."

Instead of travelling back the fourth-bottom Terras are staying up north in a hotel to prepare for tomorrow's crucial clash Northwich Victoria, who lie just six points below them.

Hollins added: "We will be having a little stretch later today in preparation for what is a massive game."