Blues will give Terras stern test
By Adam Summers
BRENDON King is anticipating a stern examination of his side’s
credentials in tonight’s friendly at Portland United (6.30pm).
The Terras’ boss has been impressed with displays against
higher-ranked opposition in the form of League Two Gillingham,
Eastleigh and a West Ham XI.
But after last night’s 5-0 defeat at lower-league Bridgewater
Town, he is keen to see if his men can rediscover their touch
against the Dorset Premier League Blues.
King, a former assistant at Grove Corner, said: “I’m
looking forward to going back and seeing everyone as I had some
good times there.
“They have very good people working for the club, they
have decent players, a decent management team and it will be
a great workout for us.
“It’s going to be tough and we’re under no illusions
about that.
“We need to make sure we implement the things we have
been doing against the so-called bigger teams.
“We will try and mix it up a bit and it will be good
to get 90 minutes into most of the players, including the
likes of (trialists) Ben Martin and Thomas Lang.”
Opposing manager Stuart Heath has been forced to tweak his
squad yet again this summer following the departure of several
first-team regulars.
However, the island chief has offset the disappointment by
bringing back star names such as Lewis Whyton, John Litherland
and Ross Doidge.
Looking ahead to this evening’s encounter, Heath said:
“Games like this are crucial for giving people valuable
game time.
“Bar one, all our friendlies have been against higher-league
opposition and we have done that in order to get into good
habits come August 13.
“It’s been a good start so far and the potential
is there to have a good season.
“We have lost five or six players, which is more than
I wanted to lose, but we have worked hard to bring some very
good players in to replace them.”
Meanwhile, a Terras’ board statement was released last
night revealing that Pranas Preidzius, Bronius Preidzius,
Audrius Preidzius, Inga Preidziuviene, Eugenius Preidziuviene
and Lijana Preidziuviene would all be resigning as directors
on August 7.
The statement added: “Amanda Rolls will join the board
of directors with immediate effect, and more will follow by
August 6 to ensure that there will be enough directors to
satisfy the club’s Articles of Association.
“Amanda would like to thank all the outgoing directors
and give special thanks to Pranas, who has agreed to write
off his loan.
“The club feel this is a fantastic gesture and will be
ever grateful to Pranus for helping to save our club from
liquidation.
“Without his money the club would have certainly folded.”
* Following tonight’s game, the Blues will hold their
annual shirt sponsorship draw.
* Bridport drew 3-3 with Plymouth Argyle Youth in their latest
pre-season friendly.
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