Portland United's hope of avoiding relegation from the Sydenhams Wessex League this season were dealt a double blow yesterday.
A 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Lymington and New Milton followed news that captain Dave Whalley has quit the Grove Corner club.
The former Dorchester and Bridport midfielder has joined ex-team mate Mark Kenway at Screwfix Direct Premier Division side Bridgwater Town who are managed by Trevor Senior.
Disappointed Portland boss Andy Mason said: "It's a big blow because we have lost both our captain and a decent midfielder. Dave Whalley has been a credit to Portland and it's a real shame seeing him go.
"At the end of the day he said he needed a new challenge and Trevor Senior has been able to offer him that at Bridgwater. I wouldn't stand in the way of any player who feels like that because that's not what I'm about.
"Dave has served Portland well for many seasons and I'd like to thank him for that. We all wish him well at Bridgwater and he's sure to fit in well because he knows lads like Kenners and John Lamb already."
Mason, whose side have scored just one victory in all competitions this term, admits he's unlikely to be able to find a replacement for Whalley because of the financial restraints at Grove Corner.
"I'd love to go out and sign a few players," he added, "but there's no budget to do that. What we have to do is work with the squad of youngsters we have and hope that a few new faces might arrive later in the year.
"It's tough going at the moment but the spirit is good and we'll keep chipping away until we get things right."
Meanwhile ex-Weymouth central
defender Scott Dennis has quit Bridport and signed for Portland's Wessex League rivals Wimborne Town.
* Weymouth Reserves went down 1-0 in a friendly against AFC Bourne-mouth's second string yesterday.
Cherries trialist Diogo Andrade fired a 72nd minute winner at Magna Road in a game in which the Terras impressed against their full-time counterparts.
* The Terras' talented youngsters come under the spotlight again at the Wessex Stadium tonight when they entertain Cinderford Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup (7.45pm)
Included in their squad are academy stars Simon Evans, Scott Dixon, Sam Charles and Ross Carmichael, reserves Nathan Walker, Ryan Hill, Paul Roberts and Chris Skinner.
The prize for the winners is a home tie against either Hereford or Mangotsfield.
Admission prices are £2 for adults, £1 for Senior Citizens and under-16s free.
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