WEYMOUTH boss Matty Hale praised his side’s work ethic following an opening day stalemate at Lewes.

The Terras took the lead in Saturday’s Blue Square South clash through Matt Cooper on 62 minutes only to concede an equaliser just 60 seconds later when Dan Beck netted.

Hale’s team had to withstand a lot of pressure throughout the encoun-ter and at the final whistle he was satisfied with a point.

He said: “It was the first game so we were always going to be a bit rusty and to be honest we lacked a bit of quality at times and were disappointing in possession. “We just did not keep the ball long enough when we got it and that allowed them to build a lot of pressure.

“However, I cannot fault any of our boys at all because they worked their socks off. We were under the cosh a bit at times but the lads showed a lot of endeavour and they put their bodies on the line to ensure we came away with something.

“No one did that more than Kyle Critchell who was fantastic. He constantly threw himself in front of things and that is what he gives you, 100 per cent commitment every time he steps out there, and that is why I made him captain.”

Hale also praised midfielder Dean Smith. He added: “Dean did well in the centre. He worked hard defensively and he also got a few passes off. When we did keep possession and put some moves together he tended to be at the heart of it.”

Unfortunately for the Terras, new striker Joe Arnold had a debut to forget after suffering a thigh strain, which could keep him out of tomorrow’s game against Eastleigh at the Wessex Stadium (7.45pm).

Hale said: “Joe had to come off in the second half and to be honest I am not sure if he will make tomorrow.

“When we replaced him, we put Danny Bennett up front and young Ben Reiffer came on at right midfield and he did not look out of place at all.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow night, Hale added: “It is going to be tough against Eastleigh. They lost on Saturday so they will be desperate to get some points on the board but the boys are really looking forward to playing in front of our own fans so it should make for a great game.

“There was a good turnout from our supporters at Lewes and hopefully there will be a big crowd behind us tomorrow night.”