United’s final game of a dramatic 2024 sees them head to Dorset to take on Weymouth
Although the two sides currently occupy both extremes of the current National League South standings, Paul Wotton’s side will know that they cannot expect any presents from a Weymouth side who are more than capable of dragging themselves out of their current predicament.
Who’s The Boss?
Warren Feeney is the new man at the helm at the Bob Lucas Stadium, following the departure of previous boss Mark Moseley after a poor start to the current campaign.
As a player, Feeney made his name as a striker at AFC Bournemouth, before continuing his productive career in the Football League with the likes of Stockport, Luton, Cardiff and Plymouth amongst others, whilst winning 46 full international caps for Northern Ireland.
After cutting his managerial teeth with NIFL Premiership side Linfield in his native Belfast, brief spells in charge of Newport County and another NIFL side, Ards, followed, prior to a successful two-year stint with Bulgarian second division outfit OFC Pirin Blagoevgrad. A return to English shores saw Warren take charge of Welling for 2022/23, before the lure of Glentoran saw him return to Ireland once more, until his departure last March.
How Have They Been Doing?
It’s been a half-season to forget for the Terras, with their record of just 13 points from 21 outings leaving them bottom of the National League South pile.
With the side currently on a run of seven games without victory, Weymouth have one just twice all season, although their recent shock Isuzu FA Trophy victory at rivals Yeovil Town serves as a timely reminder that on their day, any side is capable of beating anyone in what is becoming one of the most open NLS seasons in living memory.
Player to Watch
Brandon Goodship is something of a icon at Weymouth, where he is currently enjoying his third spell at the club.
After starting out at AFC Bournemouth, a string of loan moves preceded a switch to Yeovil town, however it wasn’t until a permanent move to Weymouth that Goodship really established himself as a prolific marksman at non-League level.
77 league goals in just 97 appearances were enough to interest Southend United, and although his time at Roots Hall didn’t quite work out, he still managed to make over 50 outings for The Shrimpers.
His first return to Weymouth didn’t see him scale the heights of his first term, however after rediscovering his goal touch at Salisbury, the 30 year-old six-footer has made Dorset his home again since returning again last year.
Played for Both
United midfielder Omar Mussa enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 season at Weymouth, where he firmly established himself as one of the division’s hottest prospects.
Burundi international Mussa started out at Walsall, however, after being unable to break into the first-team picture at the Bescot Stadium, a switch to Dover Athletic gave Omar his first taste of regular first-team action.
After his stays at Dover and Weymouth came to a close, a move up the footballing ladder saw him make 39 appearances, scoring 3 times for Dagenham & Redbridge, before Paul Wotton persuaded the talented midfielder to join his new-look side for 2024/25.
Previous Encounter
Four years ago, there was late drama in Dorset as United came out on top in a seven-goal thriller.
After captain Asa Hall put his side ahead early on, that lead was soon extended by Josh Umerah. Weymouth halved the deficit through future-Gull Cody Cooke prior to the break, and after exchanging goals from Aaron Nemane and Cameron Murray, Josh McQuoid levelled things up from the penalty spot.
Just when it looked as though the National League leaders would have to settle for a point though, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans acted in the nick of time to snatch all three points.
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