WEYMOUTH manager David Oldfield admitted the 2-1 victory over Portland United was “irrelevant” as the Terras took their first steps in pre-season.

Goals inside the opening four minutes for a trialist and Tom Bearwish set Weymouth on their way during an electric start, Tom Blair also having a goal ruled out for a push.

Weymouth continued to carve out chances almost at will but could not add to their tally and saw their lead halved when Troy Walbridge, a Terras under-23s striker, lashed home on 45 minutes.

With 19 substitutions made between the sides in the second half, chances were at a premium although Weymouth had a Brad Ash goal harshly ruled out for offside.

READ MORE: Portland United 1-2 Weymouth - match report

Two strong penalty claims also fell on deaf ears as the officials opted for leniency during a game that Oldfield felt was designed to boost fitness and bond with the Dorset footballing community.

Speaking to the media post-match, he said: “The win is irrelevant, isn’t it? It’s just about us trying to get fit.

“It was a really tough game, Portland, it’s fantastic to be here and we’re grateful for the welcome they’ve given us.

“We got what we needed out of it in terms of the work, and we move forward. It’s an important first game for us.”

Weymouth fielded eight triallists in total and Oldfield praised their professionalism.

He said: “I’ve been pleased with their manner, application and their attitude. I know that’s easy to say for trialist boys but they’ve bought into what we’re trying to do.

“Who knows what will happen in the future, but they did some good things.

“We need to try our very best to pay attention to these games and performances but also the characters and people we bring in.”

With Oldfield unfussed about the result, he also chose not to dwell on Weymouth’s failure to score the third goal their play merited.

He said: “The keeper (Mike Edgar) made some good saves and there were one or two appeals from our end that we thought could’ve happened, but it’s irrelevant.

“We need to get the work done. We could’ve lost, won or drawn but it would’ve been about the process of us getting fitter and ready to start the season.

“It’s such a big game, it’s such a local one, it’s a big community, it’s fantastic weather and we’ve been made to feel really welcome – that’s really important.

“From our point of view we need to make sure we’re safe and sound and we get to work again next week.”

Meanwhile, Portland co-manager Sam Poole praised his side’s work rate – particularly after going 2-0 down so early on.

Speaking to Portland’s media officer Josh Barton, he said: “Overall, we’re really pleased.

“Weymouth have come back a little bit earlier than us for pre-season, they got off to a really good start, we’re a little bit sharper than us.

“To be fair, it shocked us a little bit but what we were really pleased with is our character.

“Obviously, 2-0 down after four minutes but we grew into the game and got ourselves back into it with a goal from Troy.

“It was a hard-working performance and it had to be against a team that’s three leagues above.”

Weymouth visit Bridport tomorrow (7.30pm), while Portland host Dorchester Town tomorrow (7.45pm).