WEYMOUTH'S Trevor Challis was delighted to get back on the pitch after seven weeks out with a hamstring injury, and he has now declared himself fit for Blue Square Premier action.

A makeshift Terras side including several first teamers, academy players, and trialist Alex Rigley, overcame a spirited Portland United team by coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly at Grove Corner last night.

Adam Linaker put the Blues ahead on 14 minutes when he beat the offside trap to score. But Jason Tindall's side stuck to their task of trying to unlock a stubborn Portland backline.

And just before the half hour mark 18-year-old Rigley, of Swindon Town, swung in a deep left wing cross which Conal Platt brought down at the second time of asking before powering his shot past keeper Paul Gadsby.

On the hour the islanders nearly went in front but Challis cleared off the line from Matt White's header. Then, six minutes later, Danny Phillips played in Stuart Douglas, and the former Luton Town man beat Gadsby to give the Terras the lead. And so it stayed that way in a friendly that was no stranger to the odd late challenge.

Skipper for the night Challis, who has yet to play a minute of competitive action this season, said: "I was hoping to get 60 minutes at least but as the game wore on I felt fine so I'm delighted to get the full 90 minutes under my belt because I've missed a lot of games this season.

"It was a good workout for us against a well-organised side and credit to Jason for arranging the fixture at short notice. Hopefully we can get another couple of friendlies lined up over the next fortnight to help with my match fitness.

"I've been back in training and it's all systems go, so I'm available for selection but I just need to be sensible in regards to match fitness and sharpness.

"Tonight was an important test, one which I'm glad to have come through."

The experienced head led out a rather youthful side, and the defender was happy to see members of the club's academy play their part.

The 32-year-old added: "I do some work with Simon Weatherstone at the academy and it was great to see some of them out there tonight, I was happy to do my bit to help them along."

Challis has also been impressed with the Terras' league displays of late, saying: "I think our performances have been reflecting the return of several players from injury.

"Those in the team know that if they slip up there is someone waiting to take their place, and that is how it should be at a football club."

n Crawley Town have lost their appeal against a six-point penalty imposed by the Blue Square Premier.

The Reds received the punishment in the summer for a breach of financial regulations and the FA has backed the decision.

It means Town will now officially drop from eighth in the table to 16th, pushing Weymouth up to 14th.

The Terras take on the Reds at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow.