WEYMOUTH manager David Oldfield emphasised the need for positive results and performances as the Terras look to hit the ground running against Tonbridge Angels tomorrow (3pm).

The fixture was initially an away day for Weymouth but has been switched due to continuing work on Tonbridge’s pitch.

Weymouth go into their first Vanarama National League South game of the season having experienced relegation from the National League in the previous campaign.

But Oldfield feels Weymouth have had a positive pre-season amid what has been a comprehensive rebuild of the playing staff.

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He told Echosport: “It has been a positive summer, irrespective of how we start the season.

“We’ve made decisions over the summer and there were some good players and good people who left the club.

“We certainly initially recruited slowly in the big scheme of things but there was lots of work going on behind the scenes to get offers over the lines.

“We’ve certainly got the ones we wanted to try and get in and the boys are, crucially, keen to be here.

“We need to work as a collective group, we’re a much smaller group, but we need to turn it into results and performances going forward, we’re well aware of that.”

Weymouth are 12/1 fourth-favourites with bookmakers to win the league behind favourites Ebbsfleet, although Oldfield was quick to cool that hype.

“We have a lot to prove,” he said. “We’ve got some good players here and have to show our collectiveness, experience and physicality as much as our willingness to pass the ball.

“I’m sure we can move forward together as a group but there’s not doubt we have to prove we can do it.

“We have to show our fans we can be competitive in the league.”

He added: “We’re excited to start the season and play the meaningful games.

“Some of the (pre-season) games we’ve lost and learnt a lot of important lessons.

“We know what a challenge Tonbridge will be. They’ve got a new manager (Jay Saunders) and some new players themselves.”

One area Weymouth are yet to lock down is the goalkeeping unit.

Youngster Harrison Bruton is the only signing between the sticks but Oldfield is close to making another addition.

“We’re hoping to get something sorted,” he said. “I want to make sure we’re as strong as we can be and add competition in the goalkeeping department.”

Ahkeem Rose (ankle) is the Terras’ only injury doubt.