MIDFIELDER Stephen Reed has sensationally left Weymouth just hours before one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

The Terras take on York City at the Wessex Stadium tonight (7.45pm) knowing anything less than a win will see them fall through the Blue Square Premier trapdoor and this latest revelation is a huge blow to their chances.

The 24-year-old exited the Wessex Stadium before training yesterday due to “an internal club matter.”

The club issued the following statement last night: “We are very sad that Stephen Reed has left the club as a result of an internal club matter at such an inopportune time ahead of the game against York City.

“We do not wish to comment in any more detail at this stage because he and his departure should not be allowed to detract from what the other players, who are giving their all, are trying to achieve as they endeavour to keep us in the Blue Square Premier.”

Reed’s departure has no doubt been an unwanted distraction for manager Bobby Gould, who is calling upon the rest of his players to produce a big performance.

He said: “I know it has not been the best of seasons for everyone involved with the club but there is no doubt that tonight’s game is a huge one in the club’s history and it is up to the players to deliver. They have got to put their words into deeds.

“As for York, they do not come into the equation. It’s all about us and how we perform. We cannot worry about them.

“We know they are going to come and try and stop us winning but at the end of the day it is 11 versus 11 and it is all about us going out there bonding together and putting up a united front. If we do that as a club then we will stand a chance.”

The Terras are on a winless run of 14 games and have only scored once in their last 10. If they do grab a victory tonight they would then need to win their final game at Wrexham on Sun-day and hope either York or Barrow lose. The Minstermen travel to basement boys Lewes while Barrow make the journey to Eastbourne Borough.

Gould added: “Cameron Mawer was a true spirit on Tuesday and the way he has battled on recently despite carrying an injury has been fantastic but we have to be careful with him and will continue to monitor his situation.

“Jordan Collins has gone over on his ankle again so he definitely won’t play tonight while Callum Hart, Marcus Browning and Sam Cutler could all return to the mix.”