PLAYER-MANAGER Steve Claridge watched from the dugout as his Weymouth side came from behind to win their final warm-up friendly at Gloucester City.

Claridge, who had a groin strain, will be pleased with the comeback, courtesy of two goals in four minutes from Lee Phillips.

The first half was controlled by Gloucester who had several good chances and they deservedly took the lead on 25 minutes.

A melee in the penalty area led to Tigers' striker Dave Wilkinson being pulled back by Terras defender Mark Kenway and Andy Hoskins despatched the resulting spot-kick.

However, the game was turned on its head just after the break.

After 51 minutes, Phillips was put in the clear by midfielder Ian Hutchinson and the ex-Plymouth striker lifted the ball over City goalkeeper Matt Bath and into the back of the net.

Four minutes later, good inter-play in midfield gave former Rushden & Diamonds striker Scott Partridge an opening.

His shot was parried by Bath and strike partner Phillips was on hand to score.

The hosts were unlucky not to snatch a late equaliser through Jimmy Cox.

Making his debut for the Terras was midfielder Paul Buckle who joined the club from Aldershot late on Friday.

And the veteran of more than 370 Football League starts said he

was delighted to be a Wessex Stadium player.

He told Echosport: "It was all a bit of a rush really. Friday morning I was an Aldershot player and by the end of the day I'd moved to Weymouth.

"But I'm delighted to be here and it was good to get straight into action at Gloucester.

"Obviously the heat made life difficult for both sides and it was certainly a test of fitness. But I thought we played very well in the second half and it's great to get going with a victory.

"I only played for an hour myself but I thoroughly enjoyed it and was very impressed with the squad Steve Claridge has assembled."

Weymouth: Gadsby, Tully, Russell, Buckle, Waldock, Kenway, Robinson, Barlow, Partridge, Hutchinson, Phillips. Subs used: Green, Browne, Mutch, Lamb, Dennis, Harvey. Sub not used: Matthews