WEYMOUTH defender Trevor Challis reckons his side can now travel to "gung-ho" Crawley Town with a "bit more belief" after lifting themselves out of the bottom four on Tuesday.
The Terras fought back from a goal down to capture a 1-1 draw with in-form Grays Athletic at the Wessex Stadium and the experienced full-back is confident that if his men continue to show the same fight against the Red Devils they will soon secure their Blue Square Premier status.
Challis said: "Tuesday was a fantastic result considering we went one down and lost Michael Malcolm before half-time.
"They created a few chances but we worked our socks off with the likes of Scott Doe and Kyle Critchell putting their heads in front of everything, and we now need to go to Crawley and do exactly the same.
"If we can fight and battle as we did in that second half and show a bit more belief we will stand a good chance of getting something because Crawley have been a bit gung-ho of late.
"They either score a lot of goals or concede a load. Hopefully it will be the latter on Saturday."
advertisement
Challis made his first outing on Tuesday since suffering a calf strain in last month's 0-0 draw at Cambridge United.
The 32-year-old replaced Malcolm after he was involved in a horrific collision with Grays keeper Nicky Eyre.
Challis added: "I had a fitness test before the game and did not feel 100 per cent but the gaffer asked me to go on the bench which I was happy to do. I came on a bit earlier than I expected to and my calf felt a bit tight afterwards but I came through it and I am now looking forward to Saturday.
"It was a big shame what happened to Michael. It was a nasty coming together and he now has a big black eye.
"We all wish him the best with his recovery and hopefully he will be back soon because he is an important player for us.
"Saying that, when Matt Bailey went up front on Tuesday he did give us something different and if Michael is not fit for a while he will give us another option."
Challis has also praised the spirit and determination that lies within the club at the moment. He said: "There is a real togetherness in the camp. None of us want to go down and we will be doing everything we can to not let that happen.
"I also thought that the fans were fantastic on Tuesday. They really got behind us and were like a 12th man."
Skipper Simon Weatherstone, who has had his critics at the Wessex Stadium, netted the all-important penalty against Grays, his third goal in four games.
Challis added: "Simon showed exactly what he can do in the
second half on Tuesday. He is our captain and he really led by example. There is also no one better to take a penalty in that sort of situation. He stepped up confidently and tucked it way with ease."
Weymouth currently lead fourth-bottom Altrincham on goal difference. The Cheshire boys, who have also played two games more, will entertain Salisbury City on Saturday while fellow strugglers Farsley Celtic and Northwich Victoria face tricky away trips to Oxford United and Exeter City respectively.
Halifax Town, who are three points behind the Terras in 22nd spot, will host Ebbsfleet United tonight before travelling to Grays in two days' time.
* Weymouth Supporters' Travel Club are running a coach to Crawley Town on Saturday.
The coach leaves the Wessex Stadium at 10.15am and the cost is £15. To book a seat telephone Ian White on 836361.
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.