Written by: Ollie Heathcote
It's almost that time. Another home matchday is upon us! This weekend, we take on The Terras, in what is set to be Lee Allinson's first game in charge of The Tudors. As we prepare for tomorrow afternoon, let's take a closer look into our opposition...
Founded: 1890 Nickname: The Terras
Stadium: Bob Lucas Stadium Stadium Capacity: 6600
Interim Manager: Jason Matthews
History of The Terras
Formed in 1890, Weymouth have had a remarkable journey from local football to non league football, reaching their peak of the National League in the 2020/21 season. During their early years, the Terras began their endeavour into competitive football during the 1896/97 season, when they joined the Dorset League. This was a successful time for Weymouth as they only finished below 5th place on one occasion before joining the Western League. Following the conclusion of the Second World War, Weymouth spent 29 years in the Southern League, in which the Terras became an established side in. Their first taste of Conference South came in the 2004/05 season, which saw immediate success. The Terras only spent two years at this level before promotion was secured to the Conference. However, they struggled to maintain this status as they experienced two successive relegations, before regaining automatic promotion to the National League South ahead of the 2019/20 season. Currently, the Terras sit bottom of the table, looking to gain as many points to remain in this division.
The Interim Gaffer - Jason Matthews
Jason Matthews is a well-known face to the community of Weymouth FC, having played for the Terras as a goalkeeper and approaches his second spell as interim manager, following the departure of Mark Molesley. He registered 327 appearances and remains the only Weymouth goalkeeper to have scored in a match. Prior to the departure of Molesley announced last month, Matthews was the goalkeeping coach for the Terras. This spell as interim manager has started with mixed fortunes with a 0-1 defeat to Tonbridge Angels and a 1-2 victory against local rivals Yeovil in the FA Trophy.
The Skipper - Tom Bearwish
The majority of captains of teams all have the quality of loyalty as the common denominator. Tom Bearwish is a fine example of a loyal player, representing just two teams throughout his career. Having progressed through Eastleigh’s youth setup, breaking into the first team, Bearwish moved to the Terras at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, remaining a staple within the side moving into his fourth season at the club. Despite being only 25 years of age, Bearwish has experienced the level of the top two tiers of the non league pyramid, developing his leadership with every season he has played, captaining the Terras both last season and this season.
One To Watch - Jordan Thompson
Despite the Terras sitting bottom of the table with 12 points, Jordan Thompson’s performances have been impressive, becoming the heartbeat of Weymouth’s defence. He has currently played the most minutes out of any player within the squad, with the 25 year old continuing to develop his attributes in the National League South.
Thompson has had vast experience playing at non league level, with his first taster coming on a loan spell to Barrow from Coventry City. After progressing through their Under 18s set up at the Sky Blues, he was unable to make a first team appearance. After loan spells at Boreham Wood, Wrexham and Solihull Moors, Thompson spent the next season at Gloucester City, before moving spells at Hereford and Cheshunt resulted in the centre back making the move to the Dorset side.
He currently holds 16 appearances alongside a goal to his name, looking to continue his dominant defensive display on the road against the Tudors.
The Terras cause a Cup upset
Tuesday night’s fixture saw Weymouth defeat local rivals and National League side Yeovil Town to advance to the next round of the FA Trophy. After Brandon Goodship broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, Yeovil were quick to respond with a header from Aaron Jarvis, who collided with the goalkeeper as both players competed for the cross into the box. The difference between the two sides came just 5 minutes after half time, as Goodship drilled his effort into the bottom corner to secure a memorable win for the Terras.
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