SAM Charles celebrated his new one-year deal at the Terras by firing home a first-half hat-trick against Longwell Green Sports at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday.

Jules Emati-Emati also found the target in the 4-0 win but boss Ian Hutchinson will certainly not be kidding himself about the level of his side’s performance, which was patchy throughout.

There were some flashes of quality but on the whole it was an unconvincing display against an average Toolstation Western Premier League side.

That summary may sound harsh but with the start of the season just two weeks away the reality is the Terras remain a long way off a side capable of holding their own in the Zamaretto Premier League.

For much of the contest they lacked composure in possession and although Matt Oldring once again impressed at the back the hosts looked weak in key areas and a little naïve in others.

However, this is a Terras side still relying on local players to step up a few levels and for what they lack in experience and quality they make up for in passion and determination.

Their work ethic cannot be faulted and in the aftermath of two dour draws against Bridport and Portland United, and a 2-0 defeat at Wimborne Town, this latest showing was an improvement.

Charles’ performance was certainly a positive. Hutchinson said: “Getting the opening goal in the first minute instantly settled us down and it was something that we have been needing. A lot of credit has to go to Sam for getting on the end of it and the fact that he went on to score another two was fantastic.

“It was also great to see Jules get on the score-sheet as well. He also had one disallowed after producing a great bit of skill, so hopefully that will do the pair of them the world of good in terms of confidence.”

Former Torquay United keeper Martin Horsell replaced the injured Tom Manley between the posts and Hutchinson was impressed by his performance, even though he was rarely tested.

He added: “I was very pleased with Martin. He is very vocal and he dealt with everything that came his way with confidence.”

The most alarming aspect of the Terras’ performance was their failure to keep possession for sustained periods.

Hutchinson, who also handed run outs to ex-AFC Bournemouth midfielders Ben Biffington and Cheol Min-Kim, said: “When we play with a bit more sharpness and urgency we look half decent.

“We are certainly capable of keeping the ball a lot better and to be honest that is what Andy and I are all about.

“Some of the lads are taking too many touches when they don’t need to and I think a few of the younger ones feel like they have to impress and overdo it, when what really impresses us is the five or 10-yard pass and that bit of movement to get it back again.

“But we will keep trying to work that into them and with a little more confidence hopefully we will start seeing more of that.”

The Terras now have just two more friendlies, at Hamworthy United tomorrow and against Dorchester Town on Saturday, to finalise their plans before the start of the season.

And on this evidence it is clear that Hutchinson still has a lot of hard work ahead to strengthen the side for what is expected to be a tough campaign.

Terras: Horsell (Neish 84), Vincent, Dixon, Oldring, Clarke (Welch 53), MacGookin, Ironside (Biffington 31 (Halloran 76)), Reiffer (Litherland 64), Emati-Emati (Kemble 66), Charles (Whyton 46), Min-Kim (Tribe 66).