JOHN Lamb completed a spectacular rise from Weymouth zero to hero by hitting a sensational double as the Terras came from behind to win 2-1 at Tiverton Town, yesterday

The 20-year-old left winger, plucked out of the reserves by boss Steve Claridge at the start of the season, repaid his manager's faith by striking either side of the break at Ladysmead.

And Lamb, whose Wessex Stadium career looked to be going nowhere in the summer, admitted he was close to quitting the club before Claridge's arrival.

He told Echosport: "I'd spent quite a while in the reserves and never really got much of a look in until now. I had a few substitute appearances here and there last season but I never felt part of the first team. It got to the point when I was seriously considering leaving because I didn't seem to be getting any nearer to playing first team football.

"But when Steve came in and said everybody would be given a chance, that was all I needed. He awarded me a contract which showed he had faith in my ability and when I was thrown on against Newport last week. I gave 100 per cent and things have just snowballed since then."

Lamb has been given two successive starts since that Newport win and the talented youngster showed just why the Terras boss rated him so highly with a double strike as Weymouth deservedly saw off their north Devon rivals.

"Playing alongside someone like Steve is an absolute dream because he teaches all the youngsters at the club so much. The way things have turned around for me has been pretty unbelievable and to score twice has topped it all off."

Lamb, who works at a fast food restaurant in Weymouth town centre, added he felt proud to be the latest in a line of local youngsters who have come through the club's ranks to become first teamers.

"I remember watching Alex and Simon Browne, who are both local lads, from the terraces when I was younger and it's just unbelievable following in their footsteps. People like the reserve manager Dave Kiteley have been fantastic helping me and hopefully I'll now go on to play as many games as Alex and Simon have for the club."

Claridge said: "I'm delighted for John because he is a great listener, has a good attitude, big heart and wants to learn. When you have those attributes you won't go far wrong. We've worked on aspects of his play over the summer and we're now reaping the rewards."

The Weymouth player manager added that while he was delighted to secure the points, he felt the Terras are yet to hit their peak.

"We battled and played good football in spells but it looked like another tired performance. We need to keep the ball better than we did today but, having said that, to still be unbeaten from a hard start to the season is a good sign.

"We have people to come back from injury and we will only get fitter, stronger and better."