WEYMOUTH'S Scott Partridge today completed a permanent move to Bath City.

The 29-year-old striker has joined the Terras' Dr Martens Premier Division rivals on a free transfer.

The switch marks the end of a disappointing five-month stay at the Wessex Stadium for the former Rushden and Diamonds' front man.

Player-boss Steve Claridge, whose side travel to Lewes in the FA Trophy third round tomorrow, said today that the move "was the best thing for everyone". He told Echosport: "I had high expectations for Scott when I made him my first signing in the summer but unfortunately it just hasn't worked out.

"The bottom line is Scott is too good not to play and needs games. Unfortunately when both Lee Phillips and myself were fit, he struggled to make a real impact so wasn't getting the football he needs and deserves.

"He has been patient but understandably wants to play, as anybody would in his position.

"Scott lives in Bristol so Bath City are the logical club to join and everyone at the club wishes him all the best for the future."

Claridge says tomorrow's FA Trophy third round tie is the ideal clash to take his side's mind off a disappointing couple of league performances, when Weymouth have taken one point from a possible six.

He said: "The last two games against Dorchester and Crawley were extremely frustrating.

"Looking back to the Crawley game, I think one or two of the players were still feeling the effects of that New Year's Day local derby and all the events surrounding it.

"We were missing some key players, while others were also struggling with a few niggles and knocks.

"But the great thing is despite that loss, Crawley did not take advantage at Grantham on Tuesday, meaning we now have a week's break from league action with a three-point gap between us at the top of the table.

"Tomorrow gives us the chance to get the recent performances out of our system without the added pressure of it being a key league game."

Weymouth - 33-1 shots with some bookies to win the Trophy this season - will travel to the Dripping Pan without defender Jamie Impey and creative midfielder Lee Philpott.

Impey is likely to be sidelined for a month with a shoulder injury, while Philpott is expected to be out for another fortnight from a hamstring strain.

The injury problems could give a starting place to home-grown defender Scott Dennis after the youngster impressed in two substitute appearances over the festive period.

Claridge expects a fierce encounter in Sussex, despite the second place Rooks slumping 6-1 at Banstead in a league clash in midweek.

Meanwhile, the Terras boss says he is unlikely to complete any deals for new players before tomorrow's clash.

"I've got a few irons in the fire and obviously Scott's departure has made it even more of a necessity to bring someone in.

"Even if I'd signed someone by tomorrow, they could not play at Lewes. So once tomorrow is over, I'll be back working in a bid to complete a few deals before next weekend," he said.

* Weymouth midfielder Leon Green has had his loan spell at Ryman Premier Division Harrow Borough extended for another month.

Green has been on the fringes of first-team action at the Wessex Stadium this season but has featured regularly for David Harrow's outfit.