WEYMOUTH RESERVES 3 MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 4

TERRAS’ boss Jake Richmond had mixed feelings after seeing his side concede two late goals to slip to defeat against Merley at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

While Richmond was pleased to see his men respond well to a couple of lacklustre displays in recent weeks, he was also disappointed with how Merley were allowed to find the back of the hosts’ net on four occasions.

Weymouth made an excellent start when Mark Ford converted Jamie Beasley’s cross five minutes in, but Merley levelled with a looping header soon after through Aaron Atkinson.

Visiting keeper Jamie Perry made a great save from Ford on the half hour though three minutes later a flowing passing move ended with Sean Zima firing in from 15 yards.

Merley clawed their way back for a second time, courtesy of a Grant Cormack free-kick which found its way under a jumping Terras’ wall.

Chances for high-flying Merley to go in front after the break were created but keeper Ryan Park produced a couple of terrific stops to keep it at 2-2.

A second goal for Ford, who finished off a pass from substitute Gareth Will, came on 69 minutes, and entering the final stages the three points appeared to be going the way of the hosts.

Then, with six minutes left, came a moment of controversy that led to Merley getting on level terms.

A coming together in the Terras’ box resulted in Lee Sharpe being penalised and Mer-ley were awarded a penalty, which was despatched by Stuart Cannie.

And, two minutes after that spot-kick was converted, salt was rubbed into the wounds when the Terras failed to clear a corner and Atkinson notched his second to earn his side the points.

“It was a much-improved performance compared to our last two games,” said Richmond. “We should have won it but ended up losing.

“Every time we went forward we caused them trouble, but unfortunately for us they had a very dubious penalty to make it 3-3.

“Our heads were down after that and two minutes later we didn’t deal with a corner and they got the winner – I don’t know how we lost it.

“I think we were dominant for 70-80 per cent of the game so it’s disappointing we could not hold on to the lead.”

He added: “I was very pleased with the shift the lads put in and hopefully the players will learn to be a bit more, shall we say, experienced when it comes to being challenged and making challenges in and around the area.”

Terras: Park, Harvey, Pidgely, Sharpe, Anstey, Ayley, Nichols, Beasley, Ford, Chatterton (G Will 56), Zima. Subs not used: Jackson, J Will