DAVE Kiteley paid tribute to his depleted Terras side following their Wessex Comb-ination Cup first round first leg heroics at Gosport.

Injuries, suspensions and unavailabilties saw Wey-mouth travel to Privett Park with just 12 players, last night.

But despite being down to the bare bones, the visitors turned in a sterling performance against the experienced Hampshire outfit.

Kiteley explained: "We were already without Mark Nicholson, Scott Dennis and John Waldock, and then both Dan Evans and Ian Ritchie had to pull out at the last minute because of work commitments. I even asked Southampton if we could borrow Kyle Critchell, but they refused which I don't have a problem with.

"But the 12 lads who travelled turned in an awesome display and were an absolute credit to their club."

He added: "It would be hard to single out individuals because everyone was outstanding, but I've got to mention Carl Mutch especially. I gave him the captain's job because I felt he was the right man for the job and he responded with probably his best 90 minutes in a Weymouth shirt."

Both sides had their chances during an action-packed first-half and the Terras were unlucky to have a goal by Stuart Frear in the 24th minute, ruled out for offside.

Frear should have done better with a header soon after before Paul Gadsby then pulled off a stunning save to keep the Dorset side in the contest.

Gosport had the better of the second period, but the young Terras worked like Trojans and must now be favourites to progress into the second round.

Kiteley added: "Our goal was disallowed because Mark Fitch was offside but it was a bit harsh because he wasn't interfering with play. But the save that Gads pulled off from a point-blank volley was about the best I've ever seen.

"All you ask as a manager is for your team to give it everything they've got and I was proud of each and every one of those lads last night."

Weymouth: Gadsby, Walker, Hill, Critchell, Dunn, Lambert (Borthwick 80mins), Mutch, Bichard, Lamb, Fitch, Frear.