Derby battle

8:30am Monday 24th March 2008

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WEYMOUTH boss John Hollins is sweating on the fitness of five key players ahead of today's local derby against Exeter City at the Wessex Stadium (1pm).

The Terras moved up to 19th spot in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday courtesy of a 0-0 draw at second-placed Cambridge United but it did come at a price with Kyle Critchell, Jake Hyde and Stuart Beavon all suffering first-half injuries.

Those three players are now doubtful for the visit of the Grecians along with midfielders Marcus Browning and Paolo Vernazza.

Hollins said: "It was an excellent point that we got at Cambridge and it proves that we have really started to cement what we do.

"Cambridge were unbeaten at home for a few months and I thought we were sensational particularly as we had to use all three of our substitutes before the start of the second half.

"Kyle Critchell suffered a bad knock on the knee and was replaced by Jake Hyde who then got hit from behind and twisted his ankle.

"To make matters worse Stuart Beavon then had to come off after receiving a whack on his knee.

"We put Scott Doe at right back and moved our new loan signing Matthew Bailey from centre forward to centre back and it kept us going.

"In fact I thought we dominated for large periods of the game and created two or three good chances. They also had a couple but we looked fantastic on the break and overall I was very pleased with the performance."

Commenting on the fitness of his squad ahead of today's clash, Hollins added: "The three players that came off all suffered heavy knocks but Jake's was the worst one and I am not sure if he will be available.

"Paolo and Marcus both missed Saturday's game and are still doubtful while Nick Crittenden came on and looked a lot stronger after recovering from illness.

Goalkeeper Jon Stewart was a surprise substitute for the Terras on Saturday.

Hollins said: "Even though Jon left a few months ago he is still registered with the club and last week he called us up and asked if he could come back and train with is.

"He is only 19 and he has a big presence about him and as people know I like big keepers. I say that with no disrespect to David Roberts but he has an opportunity to go to Southport where he has a chance of getting a contract as well as playing regular football. It is also closer to his home.

"Stephen Henderson has been called up to Ireland Under-21s and initially he was going to have to leave before the Exeter game but we have asked if he can stay and meet up with the squad immediately afterwards which has now been agreed. So against Exeter it will be Stephen in goal and Jon on the bench."

Play-off contenders Exeter are currently three points adrift of fifth-placed Burton Albion with a game in hand. They have also only lost once in their last 12 games.

City could include a few familiar faces in their squad including former Weymouth trio Steve Tully, Lee Elam and Richard Logan, and ex-Dorchester Town loanee Daniel Seaborne.