WEYMOUTH manager Bobby Wilkinson insisted “pressure is a privilege” after guiding the Terras to a priceless 2-1 win over Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Sealing what was only Weymouth’s second home win of the Vanarama National League South season, goals from David Sesay and Ahkeem Rose proved enough.

Weymouth had nine shots at goal in a dominant first half but Hampton & Richmond ensured a nervous finish when Tommy Wood scored and Daniel Rowe hit the bar.

Despite straying into a sixth minute of the prescribed four, Weymouth weathered heavy late pressure to close to within four points of the Beavers, who remain 19th compared to the Terras’ 23rd.

Speaking to Echosport, a buoyant Wilkinson said: “If I was ever going to have a heart attack, it would’ve been (then).

READ MORE: Weymouth 2-1 Hampton & Richmond - match report

“I’ve played in some big games, promotion wins and all that. That was up there for me.

“I always put pressure on myself, everyone knows that. I love pressure, I can handle pressure.

“I treat pressure as privilege, I don’t treat it as a weakness. People find that bizarre.

“I put myself under pressure by coming to this club, believing I could get them out (of the drop zone).

“Are we going to? I don’t know. Have I given us a chance? Yes, I have.

“When I first came here, I don’t think we would’ve won that game.”

Wilkinson revealed how much of a boost a more balanced side had been.

He said: “When you’ve got certain players coming back, it’s not rocket science. If I can put players in their positions, we’ve got a chance.

“When I looked at that team, it’s a good team. Luck’s been against me on some occasions, especially with injuries.

“I truly mean it, I never make excuses. One thing I am enjoying is pressure.

“Keep throwing it at me. Keep doubting my players, anyone out there.

“Pressure is a privilege. I was under some pressure, because I put myself under pressure. No-one here, my players or anyone like that. That’s who I am.”

Weymouth did have a large slice of luck at 2-1 in the second half when Hampton skipper Jake Gray hammered a woeful finish over the bar from six yards out.

But Wilkinson continued to highlight big decisions going against his side, with Sesay denied a first-half penalty and Dan Wishart escaping a red card when bringing down Brad Ash as last man.

Wilkinson said: “That’s a red card and we had a blatant penalty.

“I normally think the referee (Steven Hughes) is a very good referee but he missed two clear-cut (fouls).

“We’re not even having that luck, we should’ve had a penalty against Taunton. When luck’s against you, that happens. We’ve decided as a group, let’s make our own luck.

“But it’s a sending off, he’s through and it’s from behind. Any other ref does that.

“Listen, he’s a good ref and I just think he’s got them two wrong.”

Weymouth next host Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday (3pm).