SCOTT Partridge struck a dramatic last-gasp winner at Hinckley United to send the unbeaten Terras up to second spot in the Dr Martens Premier Division.

And the former Rushden and Diamonds man, who got his chance because of an injury to first choice striker Lee Phillips, admitted it was a relief to get his name on the scoresheet.

He told Echosport: "Everybody wants to be playing regularly at any level of the game but I don't really think I've done myself justice until now. I had a poor pre-season and I've found the drop to non-League harder than I expected it to be.

"Lee Phillips has done well but his unfortunate injury up at Tiverton gave me a chance and I intend to make the most of it.

"This level of football is a bit of a learning curve because I've never played non-League before. It has taken me a while getting used to it and I must admit I found it a bit of a culture shock at first, which some of the other lads like Steve Tully agreed they also suffered initially.

"It hasn't been simply the standard of play that I've had to get used to. I no longer train every day like I used to in the professional game which makes a real difference and it has meant I've lost some of my sharpness.

He added: "But I feel more settled in my own mind now and hopefully the goal today will be the start of things to come. It is a relief to get off the mark and I'm delighted we got the three points to continue our good start."

Steve Claridge had given Weymouth the lead on the hour before injury hit Hinckley hit back through Jamie Lenton's controversial spot kick with just seven minutes remaining before Partridge's late drama.

The Terras player manager said: "The lads showed a lot of character in very difficult circumstances because of the ridiculous officiating. The penalty decision was a joke, as are 90 per cent of decisions at this level, but we battled back and sneaked the winner.

"It was never going to be a classic because of the way Hinckley play on what was an awful pitch. Manchester United could come here and it wouldn't be good to watch.

"But once we settled down, we fully deserved to win. I'm pleased for Scott because his goal will boost his confidence and challenging for leagues is all about coming to places like Hinckley and getting the right result."

* Former Terra Darren Campbell collected his second medal of the World Athletics Championships in Paris yesterday.

Campbell, who took an individual bronze in the 100m, was part of Britain's sprint relay quartet who landed silver in the 4x100m final.

Gold went to the Americans who crossed the line 0.02secs ahead of their rivals.