TERRAS boss Mark Molesley has said achieving promotion would “mean everything” for the club, but knows a tough challenge awaits them today in the Vanarama National League South play-offs semi final.

As Weymouth prepare for a clash with Dorking Wanderers at an empty Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm), Molesley says his squad has proven the doubters wrong.

“I don’t think many people outside the football club expected us to be here at the end of the season,” he said. “I know most people predicted us to finish third from bottom not third from top.

“Promotion would mean everything. It’s what we have been working so hard for ever since we came in to this football club. We had a dream and we have worked hard to to realise that dream. That’s not just the players and the squad and staff but also everyone at the club.

“We’re really excited about it now. At one stage it looked like it was off the table, but our lads deserve the chance to finish the season, it’s been an unbelievable effort to compete the way they have in a higher division.”

Molesley knows today’s opponents will be tough to handle, after coming off the back of a 2-1 win over Bath City in their play-offs eliminator means Dorking will likely have a bit more match-sharpness than Weymouth.

“They are very strong,” he said. “They operate a full-time model and their manager has climbed that club and put his money where his mouth is. It’s been a fantastic climb for them and a very tough challenge awaits us.

“You could have tossed a coin though in these play-offs, there isn’t a lot to separate any of the sides, all the teams are very strong and it will come down to who performs on the day.

“I know Dorking will be looking at it as an advantage that they played their game last week, all we can do is concentrate on ourselves and our game.”

Weymouth have been working hard in training to get ready for the play-offs and Molesley said he is delighted to be able to choose from a fully-fit side.

“As soon as we have been back testing we have been back training,” he said. “It’s not an ideal situation, it was never going to be an ideal situation, but we have prepared as well as we can given the unprecedented situation.

“It’s been a short pre-season so it’s difficult to know exactly where we are at, but the mentality and attitude of our squad and the way they have looked after themselves during lockdown is incredible.

“Come Saturday we can have no excuses, we have prepared as best we can.”

Molesley believes Weymouth will have an advantage from playing at home today, despite no fans being allowed in the stadium.

Terras face Dorking Wanderers at an empty Bob Lucas Stadium, but Molesley wants his players to make the most of their surroundings.

“We have to seize any advantage possible,” he said. “The fact we don’t have to travel and it’s familiar surroundings for us would definitely be an advantage. But the advantage of playing at home has been diminished because it’s not going to be at the end of the season in front of a packed Bob Lucas.”

Another bonus for the Terras is having a fully fit squad, meaning Molesley can make the most of the newly-implemented five-sub rule: “Clubs with the bigger resources and squads will have an advantage but I have a fully fit squad to choose from so I’m delighted with the extra subs.

“We have a great squad and a great team, it’s going to be probably my most difficult team selection ever as manager here because I have everyone available. We have had key players missing at key times this season and have come through it so I’m looking forward to choosing from a fully fit squad.”

Weymouth fans can watch the game online thanks to the National League’s streaming platform.

Head to https://events.sportradar.com/en-int/playerpage/167529 for find the stream.