United will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday as Gary Johnson’s men travel to Dorset to take on Weymouth.
Who’s the Boss?
Appointed as First Team Manager in September last year, Brian Stock went on to guide the Terras to an 18th place finish in the 2020/21 National League campaign.
So far this season, it’s been a mixed bag for his Terras, having won two of their last five, with their last three games ending in defeat against Woking, Altrincham and Chesterfield, there’s no doubt that both managers will see Saturday as an opportunity to return to winning ways.
The Welshman arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium from AFC Bournemouth where the 39-year-old had been part of the backroom staff as an Academy Coach. He has also previously run his own private youth academy and holds a UEFA B coaching badge.
Stock enjoyed a successful playing career which began with the Cherries where he made 172 appearances across six years before moves to Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers followed. The midfielder enjoyed much success at Doncaster; he made over 200 appearances and captained the side in their Play-Off Final victory over Leeds United in 2008. It was also during his time at Doncaster that he earned three caps for the Welsh National Team.
Player to Watch
Winger Sean Shields penned a two-year deal at the Bob Lucas Stadium in June after making 35 appearances and scoring 5 goals for the Dorset side last season. Also during the 2020/21 campaign, the 29-year-old established himself as a playmaker and was one of the top assist-makers in the league, setting up 14 goals for his teammates.
Shields joined the Terras in October 2020 from Notts County and was named The Players’ Player of the Season following the conclusion of last season. So far this season, the winger has continued to cause trouble for opposition defence, with his dangerous set pieces.
The Weymouth no.32 has previously played for the likes of St Albans City, Maidstone United, Hemel Hempstead, Ebbsfleet United, Chelmsford City, and Boreham Wood.
Played for Both
Josh Wakefield enjoyed a short stint in the English Riviera under Chris Hargreaves, during which he made 10 appearances, scoring 1 goal.
The 28-year-old went on to be part of the Weymouth side that won back-to-back promotions, as well as the Dorset Senior Cup. After being with the Dorset side from 2017, playing 148 games and scoring 12 goals, Wakefield has since moved on to Salisbury.
He has also played for the likes of AFC Bournemouth, Dorchester, Bristol Rovers, Yeovil, and briefly Aldershot and Poole Town.
Previous Encounter
Weymouth 3 – 4 Torquay United, 28th December 2020, National League.
A late strike from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans secured the points for Gary Johnson’s side when the two sides last met in between Christmas and New Year last season.
Captain Asa Hall opened the scoring early on before Josh Umerah doubled the advantage; however the hosts halved the deficit in the 31st minute. Moments after the restart, Aaron Nemane made it 3-1, before Cameron Murray made it 3-2 four minutes later. Josh McQuoid went on to level from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute and just as it looked as if the leveller had forced a share of the points, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans snatched the points with three minutes left on the clock.
TUFC XI: 1. Shaun MacDonald, 4. Kyle Cameron, 5. Fraser Kerr, 7. Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, 8. Asa Hall (c), 12. Adam Randell, 16. Sam Sherring, 21. Dean Moxey (6. Gary Warren, 80′), 23. Aaron Nemane, 34. Ben Whitfield (15. Matt Buse, 90′), 35. Josh Umerah (11. Jake Andrews, 80′)
SUBS NOT USED: 22. Owen Price, 33. Lucas Covolan (GK).