WEYMOUTH manager Bobby Wilkinson described as “a hell of a result” the Terras’ 1-1 draw with second-placed Aveley.

The Miller have been one of the surprise packages of the Vanarama National League South this season and demonstrated their quality in the first half.

Blessed with a towering back line, Aveley caused havoc at set-plays and Jalen Jones muscled his way into the box to power home a header from a corner on 24 minutes.

Sydney Ibie forced a good save from keeper Gerard Benfield before the break but Weymouth improved on the hour mark.

READ MORE: Weymouth 1-1 Aveley - report

Brandon Goodship’s dipping shot was tipped over by keeper Jonathan North while Weymouth in total had three goals disallowed.

Wilkinson’s men were finally rewarded when Charlee Hughes nodded past North for an 84th-minute own goal, giving Weymouth their eighth draw of the season.

“It’s a hell of a result,” Wilkinson told Echosport.

“To be 1-0 down against second in the league, chasing top, it’s a fantastic, spirited performance from these boys.”

Wilkinson highlighted the disallowed goals, one of which he took major issue with, as a case for regret.

“We’re very happy with a point but the regret is we deserved three points,” he insisted.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy, it shows we’re growing as a team but I’m still disappointed we didn’t get three points.

“One was definitely onside. I’ll let everyone judge that when they see it but the movement for the two goals Joel (Rollinson) scored was fantastic.

“I know they didn’t count but everyone as a group, if you can’t see this team are fighting, you don’t know football.

“That was a brilliant performance. If you go back three weeks, I’m sorry I keep bringing Bath up, but they were third and look what happened.

“That could’ve happened going 1-0 down but we dug in, we competed and I’m so pleased for everyone.”

Wilkinson believes the eight draws earned by Weymouth this campaign can be built upon and morphed into wins next season.

He said: “I remember my first season in this league, I got 14 draws and then I changed it to wins.

“The only thing I will say is eight draws, last year they were eight defeats. We’re eight points better off.

"But, if you end up taking your chances we’re right there. I can see it building.

“It’s frustrating with eight draws, because you’d rather four wins and four losses to get more points.

“But we’ve just got to change the fine margins. Look where we’d be in the table.”

Weymouth now have five consecutive away games in all competitions, beginning with Braintree on Saturday (3pm).