WEYMOUTH boss Matty Hale held his hands up and took full responsibility for his side’s disappointing performance in last night’s 5-0 defeat against Eastleigh at the Wessex Stadium.

An encouraging crowd of 931 turned out for the Blue Square South clash but unfortunately they witnessed the Terras capitulate late in the first half when two cruel deflected goals helped the Spitfires go into the break with a flattering 3-0 lead.

Danny Smith opened the scoring by finishing off a swift counter-attack on 40 minutes and from that point onwards everything seemed to conspire against the Terras with experienced midfielder Dean Smith having to leave the field shortly afterwards through injury.

Then came the double blow of those two fortunate strikes from Shaun McAuley and Danny Smith, which left keeper Ryan Harrison with no chance in the Weymouth goal as they both cannoned off defenders and completely wrong footed him to the home fans’ dismay.

In the second half Andy Forbes and substitute Richard Gillespie completed the rout and although Hale thought the final scoreline was a bit flattering he refused to make excuses.

He said: “Those three goals took the wind out of us especially the second two which both took wicked deflections.

“With so many young lads in the side and only the experience of Andy Harris and Kyle Critchell to rely on after Dean Smith came off injured it was always going to be tough to pick the lads up again after that.

“They then went on and got a fourth early in the second half and from there it was always going to be difficult.

“Unfortunately in the face of adversity young lads tend not to have the courage to get their heads up and pass.

“However, I did not think Eastleigh were five goals better than us and to be honest that scoreline is just a kick in the stomach.

“Everything is going against us at the minute. I have been in adversity before but this is the worst I have known it.

“Saying that, there were no excuses tonight and I take full responsibility. I have brought the players in and I pick the team so it is down to me.

“However, with Joe Arnold and Hector Mackie out, and Dean Smith now having joined them as well, we have lost three of our more experienced players and with such a young squad that has come as a huge blow.”

Hale brought in striker Tom Piotrowski to fill in for Arnold last night despite having released the ex-Team Bath man last month following an unsuccessful trial.

He added: “I needed another forward so I brought Tom in to partner Matt Cooper and to be honest I think it is going to be a busy week now.

“I have got a bit of the budget left and it is clear that I have got to do something quick. I think there will be a couple of surprises in the team come Saturday.”

Weymouth Reserves will take on Weymouth Sports tonight at Cranford Avenue (6.30pm).