MANAGER Ian Hutchinson insisted “the best team lost” after table-topping Cambridge City sentenced Weymouth to a 3-0 defeat.

The rock-bottom Terras, who started the season on minus 10, are still yet to taste victory at the Bob Lucas Stadium and trail nearest rivals Oxford City by eight points.

Craig Hammond opened the scoring for Cambridge in the first half and netted his second in the dying moments after Lee Chaffey had made it 2-0.

But Hutchinson felt his side were robbed and commended his charges for a wholehearted performance that prompted a standing ovation as they exited the pitch at full-time.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “Without a shadow of a doubt the best team lost. Some of our football was a joy to watch.

“Anybody who saw the game will realise that we didn’t deserve to lose, and you could see that by the reaction when the players came off at the end.

“I’m gutted with the manner we’ve lost but very pleased with how we passed the ball around. I hate losing and my players have got to learn to hate losing as well.

“It was just one of those days when nothing went for us but there are signs for hope. We’ll keep plugging away and I’m sure we’ll get on a good run.”

Hutchinson had been incensed when City skipper Adrian Cam-bridge escaped censure for a late tackle on Alex Halloran, despite having already been booked minutes earlier.

The Terras’ chief said: “They say goals change games but decisions change them too. I don’t know how he stayed on the pitch.

“I guarantee if he hadn’t been booked previously, he would have been booked for that so I don’t understand it. All I got from the referee was him laughing at me and the bench.”

New signings Rob Wolleaston and Courtney Pitt, both graduates of Chelsea’s youth ranks, underlined their worth with polished displays in midfield.

Wolleaston was a calming influence in the centre of the park, while Pitt sparkled on the left wing and was a pivotal figure in much of the Terras’ attacking ventures.

Hutchinson added: “Rob was different class and Courtney gave us an extra dimension on the left. Their quality was there for all to see.

“We’d love them to hang about because they are good lads and gave their all for the club. They are both flabbergasted at how we have come away with nothing.”