YEMI RESCUES TOP TERRAS!
WEYMOUTH boss Mark Molesley described this pulsating play-off semi-final as an “emotional rollercoaster” after Yemi Odubade’s 95th-minute winner broke Dorking hearts having hit back from 2-0 down.
Obubade struck with almost the final kick of the game after goals from James McShane and Elliott Buchanan has cancelled out Josh McQuoid’s third-minute penalty and a Jaidon Anthony strike eight minutes later.
“This group never know when they are beaten,” a relieved Molesley said.
“When they brought it back to 2-2 it kicked us into gear.
“I’m delighted for Yemi – all the subs had a-massive impact but Yemi has been a breath of fresh air here with some vital moments for us. Yet again he was in the right place at the right time.”
Odubade, the former Eastleigh front man, had only entered the fray in the 83rd and he would have known very little about his winning strike as he inadvertently blocked a hooked clearance into the net from four yards.
That was five minutes into a frenetic period of added time and the Terras were able to hold on to set up a final tie back at the Bob Lucas Stadium next Saturday against Dartford.
The hosts got off to a dream start and were two goals to the good inside the first 11 minutes.
Weymouth went straight on the front foot and with just 56 seconds on the clock
Andy Robinson was hailed to the ground via a shirt pull inside the box and referee Daniel Lamport had no qualms pointing to the spot.
Former Northern Ireland international McQuoid, the Terras’ skipper, showed a calm head as he neatly tucked the ball home from 12 yards inside the left hand post.
Then, just nine minutes later, the home side doubled their lead with a clever finish from Anthony after Wanderers were caught completely flat-footed.
Calvin Brooks slipped in Anthony in the right chanminute nel and the striker showed great composure to slide the ball past stranded keeper Sam Howes.
At the other end, Wanderers struggled throughout the whole first period with their final ball.
And it wasn’t until the 39th minute that they finally got a shot away when McShane skewed a 20-yarder wide.
Seconds before the break Jason Prior should have done far better with a header at the back post but the visitors were to fare much better as the second half wore on.
And they were to set up a nerve-jangling finale when they brought themselves level with two quick-fire goals.
First McShane seized on a headed clearance by Tom Whelan as he smashed home a volley from ten yards just before substitute Elliot Buchanan awry home a second inside the far post in the 84th minute.
Amazingly though the Terras showed their mettle to end a fantastic contest with Odubade’s late winner.
STAR MAN: Jake Wakefield (Weymouth)
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Daniel Lamport