Analysis: The problems Weymouth must solve to stay up

The Terras are on a six-game losing streak in the league and have won just four of 20 games this season.

Bad form has sucked Weymouth into the bottom three, one point from safety ahead of a gigantically important game against Southend on Saturday.

Perhaps the most telling statistic of all is that Weymouth’s defence has now conceded 41 goals in those 20 games.

It is an unsustainable amount, given Brian Stock’s men would theoretically have to score three times every game to earn three points.

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Only bottom side Dover (51) and King’s Lynn (41) have shipped more goals this season.

It is also eight goals more than the 33 conceded at the same stage last term, while Weymouth have an identical points record (15) after 20 games this season and last.

Weymouth have also conceded first in their past six games.

So, something has to give. One bright note is that Weymouth have goals in them up top.

Their tally of 23 is at least three better than the rest of their bottom-six rivals. Only Maidenhead (20) come close to matching that.

Looking at that statistic, if Weymouth can stabilise a leaky defence without too much of a trade-off against attacking intent and creativity, they will begin to haul themselves out of trouble.

And the Terras have been here before.

Weymouth were struggling last season on their return to the National League, having gone seven games without a win.

Terras' boss Brian Stock, centre left Picture: MARK PROBIN

Amid almost vitriolic criticism of Stock by fans, the Terras’ board backed their manager to find a route out of trouble.

And his new course plotted Weymouth into 18th come the end of the season.

He did it by forming a concrete central defensive partnership of Dom Revan and Jacob Mensah.

Both players had experience of being immersed in a Premier League club environment.

One week prior to signing, Revan had successfully marked Mo Salah for Aston Villa against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Mensah came to Weymouth after a good grounding at Crystal Palace.

The two instantly understood one another’s play and suddenly results improved, thanks also to the 12 goals from hit loanee Andy Dallas.

It means Stock will be dipping into his contacts book once more this January in hope of emulating last year’s loans.

One defender who will rightly not feel under threat by any new acquisition is Taofiq Olomowewe, who has enjoyed a stellar season so far.

Taofiq Olomowewe has impressed at Weymouth Picture: MARK PROBIN

He has outshone Tyler Cordner, who has played a squad-high 22 games this season.

In fairness to Cordner, he has been bounced between central defence and an unfamiliar role as a defensive midfielder, tasked with adding an extra layer of protection to Weymouth’s back four.

Stock attempted to alleviate the pressure on Cordner by signing Tom Solanke, who with only two games under his belt still needs time to hit top form.

Ben Morgan, while undoubtedly an important player for Weymouth, has often struggled with injury and the former Gloucester man recently had Covid-19.

A conundrum for Stock would be whether to sign a centre-half such as Mensah, who would bark orders and win the majority of aerial duels.

A new centre-back would undoubtedly create competition for places and cause the current crop to raise their game.

Right-back is also a potential area for strengthening, despite the notable and impressive improvement of Josh Leslie-Smith.

Josh Leslie-Smith has scored three goals this season Picture: MARK PROBIN

One option available to Weymouth is Leon Davies following his release from Cambridge United.

There is much to ponder for Stock but above all he must make the defence more watertight.

Weymouth could also use another dynamic, box-to-box midfielder with an eye for a pass – however they do not grow on trees and would likely come at great expense.

Looking up front, Weymouth have a plethora of talent which has so far failed to fire consistently.

Martell Taylor-Crossdale has obvious quality but needs service and a run of games amid seven substitute appearances.

He is without a goal in 332 minutes across 10 games, while Brad Ash – despite being involved in five goals this season – has not scored since mid-September.

However, Brandon Goodship is coming into form and looked to benefit from playing alongside Josh McQuoid – Weymouth’s top scorer (6) – in the Eastleigh defeat.

Could the Terras be tempted to bolster their attacking ranks and provide Goodship and others with a helping hand?

Brandon Goodship, right, has been involved in three goals in his past two games Picture: MARK PROBIN

Whatever course Stock has picked on his managerial sat-nav, this January window looks a little more complicated than the last.

Essentially, it boils down to whether he feels key additions in focused areas of the pitch are needed, or whether a repeat of last season’s radical overhaul would be more beneficial.

Whichever way you look at it, there is a great deal of work to do.

First, Weymouth will be concentrating on beating relegation rivals Southend. Take three points and that could be the biggest remedy of all.