Weymouth 0-0 Cheshunt: Terras earn point in stalemate

CHESHUNT 0

WEYMOUTH took a point in a low-quality 0-0 draw with Cheshunt at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The Terras had the chance to move off the bottom of the table with victory but could not create a serious shot at goal in a poor display.

Cheshunt were little better and went closest when Reece Beckles-Richards tested Zaki Oualah.

In truth, this was two teams deserving of the bottom two rungs on the Vanarama National League South on this evidence at least.

READ MORE: Weymouth 0-0 Cheshunt - how it happened

Weymouth brought in two new signings, Matt Buse returning from Gloucester and Michael Dome-Bemwin on the bench.

Matt Buse, re-joined the Terras from Yeovil this week (Image: MARK PROBIN)

Buse was the only change in the starting XI that began the 2-1 win at Welling last time out, with the suspended Tom Bearwish missing out.

There were three new faces on Weymouth's bench compared to last week, with Dome-Bemwin joined by the returning Dan Matsuzaka and Josh Oyinsan, who missed Welling due to the mystery illness that has plagued half the Weymouth squad.

Michael Dome-Bemwin was Weymouth's debutant of the day (Image: MARK PROBIN)

Goalkeeping coach Jason Matthews and Hari McCoy retained their places on the bench.

Prior to kick-off there was a presentation to Weymouth’s all-time leading appearance-maker Tony Hobson, honoured by the changing of the Babs stand to his name.

When play began on a bitterly cold afternoon, Weymouth initially looked the more dangerous side as Nathan Carlyle flicked a header at away keeper Adam Desbois.

Tom Blair caught a volley too sweetly as he fired over, while Cheshunt began to creep into the game when captain Guiseppe Re skidded a 30-yard shot at Zaki Oualah.

And the Ambers suddenly looked threatening as Chris Harris sent a grubber at Oualah and Reece Beckles-Richards stretched the Weymouth number one with a low shot to his left.

Cheshunt were finding joy with the aerial route also as Harris collected a knock-down only to fluff a shot wide.

After a flat period midway through the half, Weymouth finished strongly as Scott Rees had a shot blocked and Brendan Willson headed a corner over.

Weymouth got their running game going with Brad Ash storming down the left, stepping inside and curling wide.

Brad Ash had one of Weymouth's best efforts (Image: MARK PROBIN)

From another corner, Carlyle’s stabbed effort was blocked and Ahkeem Rose blazed a free-kick over when Thomas Dickens dropped Blair for a yellow card.

The same players were involved in an incident on the touchline just before half-time, with Dickens lucky to escape a second yellow.

It therefore came as no surprise when Cheshunt hooked the left-back at the break, Isaac Pitblado his replacement.

O’Connell was at the centre of the action in the second half, bending an effort comfortably over and then earning a yellow for shoving a Cheshunt defender, sparking an 18-man fracas.

Cheshunt assistant Ugo Udoji was also booked for dissent and Weymouth then opted for their first change as Dome-Bemwin came on for fellow new signing Buse on the hour.

Weymouth then suffered another defensive injury when Rees limped off, although Matsuzaka was at least able to deputise at left-back.

Quality was in short supply throughout the game, typified by Cheshunt chipping a free-kick straight into the hands of Oualah.

And Weymouth were little better at the other end, Willson scuffing an ambitious volley on the turn from 18 yards.

With three points there for the taking if either side could raise their level, Cheshunt seemed the more energetic and went close when Emmanuel Maja worked Oualah with a fierce low shot from 30 yards.

Weymouth threw on McCoy for O’Connell in the closing stages and the winger was involved in setting up a chance for Blair, who saw his 18-yard shot blocked.

Weymouth pushed for a winner in four minutes of added time, Ash winning a free-kick 25 yards out.

However, in a moment summing up the game, Blair curled a weak shot at Desbois to invite the final whistle and end a poor contest.

Weymouth are next in action at home to Hamworthy United in the Dorset Senior Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Terras: Oualah, Nippard, Carlyle, Willson, Rees (Matsuzaka 71), McBurnie, Buse (Dome-Bemwin 59), Blair, O'Connell (H McCoy 86), Rose, Ash. Subs not used: Oyinsan, Matthews.

Cheshunt: Desbois, Cracknell, Dickens (Pitblado 46), Alexander, da Silva, Hobbs, Beckles-Richards, Re, Harris (Camara 85), Newton, Maja. Subs not used: John, Ekongo, Haxhiu.

Referee: Samuel Read

Attendance: 736