All of yesterday’s action from the National League
ELISHA SAM’S cross-cumshot proved the difference as Notts County ended Weymouth’s backto-back winning sequence with a hardfought victory at the Bob Lucas Stadium.
Sam’s deflected effort six minutes into the second half rather fortuitously looped over Terras keeper Ethan Ross but was enough to send the Magpies menacingly up to fifth in the table.
Relieved boss Neal Ardley admitted County rode their luck for the winning goal but says his side were well worthy of the points.
“I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt in all fairness, but he’s tried to lift it to the far post and the winds carried it in,” Ardley said.
“We controlled large spells in the first half and the first 25 minutes of the second half. We never created enough, then we started. Then once you’re 1-0 up and the opposition press you, we started to defend what we have.”
Indeed, the Magpies just above edged a rather tense opening with Weymouth forced to defend their lines.
Enzio Boldewijn was shut out by centre-back pairing Dominic Revan and Jacob Mensah, but then laid the ball off to
top scorer Kyle Wootton, whose powerful effort was pushed over the bar by Ross.
Eventually, Notts took the lead on 51 minutes - albeit in fortunate circumstances. Sam blazed down the left wing, outpacing Revan to force a cross but his effort was taken by the wind on the south coast and looped up and over Ross, cannoning off the goalkeeper’s left post before crossing the line.
From there, the Magpies appeared in control, putting the Terras on the back foot in search of a killer second goal. Ruben Rodrigues struck a freekick at a tight angle aimed at Ross’ near post with the young goalkeeper going down well to make a save.
But the Terras weren’t about to lie down and they came agonisingly close to drawing level on 61 minutes. Andy Dallas turned neatly after receiving the ball and Josh McQuoid collected it from the striker.
The captain played Jake McCarthy in space through on goal. The midfielder struck the ball straight at keeper Sam Slocombe.
McCarthy went close again on 68 minutes when sub Pierre Fondue brushed off four challenges andcrossed low into his feet, only for his shot to be matched by Slocombe.
It was to prove their final fling but Terras boss Brian Stock was rightly proud of his side’s efforts.
“When you look at the amount of effort we put in today, we’ve thrown everything at this side. We had some gilt-edged chances that on another day would have gone in.”
“The lads stuck to the game plan well. We had to be resolute and compact well and looked dangerous on the counter attack, I can’t ask for any more from the players.”