The Angels returned home to Kent after a gritty performance in Dorset earned them three valuable points and, in so doing, completed the double over their hosts, Weymouth.

Jay Saunders said of his team’s hard-earned win: “A real hard, gritty three points away from home. I don’t think it was pretty, I don’t think we were at our best. I thought Weymouth had a real go at us but I’m delighted, we defended really well and limited them and when they had chances we threw bodies on the line.” 

On the cusp of the meteorological winter, the Dorset coast offered an overcast sky, but unseasonably mild as Jay Saunders made three changes from the starting XI that took a point from 2-0 down in midweek at Welling.

With Mo Dabre suspended, Taylor Maloney was restored to the line-up alongside Jeremy Santos who came in for Ryan Hanson. New signing Harry Ottaway started  in place of Sean Shields, who took a knock late into the game on Tuesday.

Weymouth, who are under the temporary management of Jason Matthews, following the ending of Mark Molesey’s tenure this week, started the game the brighter but it was the Angels who first tested the goalkeeper with Will Buse denying Liam Vincent and Santos shooting over before strong claims were made for a penalty after Calvin Brooks went down under a challenge but the referee adjudged simulation and Brooks was shown a yellow card.

The visitors went close on 38 minutes when Santos’ inswinging corner needed to be cleared from the line by Leo Hamblin, but the two sides returned to the dressing rooms with the game remaining goalless.

After a quiet opening 15 minutes to the second period, Hanson was introduced for Scott Wagstaff and, on 64 minutes, the Angel’s were in front when a second clearance found Santos on the right side of the 18 yard box from where his curled shot took a deflection to loop clear of Buse.

Weymouth threatened to get straight back into the game when Ottaway cleared from the line before another Santos effort brought a good save out of Buse, who pushed the ball to safety, diving low to his left.

Weymouth naturally chased the game in the final 15 minutes and a goal line clearance was needed to thwart an effort in added time but the Angels held out with some resolute defending.

Jay Saunders summed up “That game, a month or two ago, we lose through our own inexperience but the likes of Harry and Waggy, the senior ones have really stood up today.”

Picture: Weymouth FC X