Tuesday 2 September 2003 - Wessex Stadium - kick off 7.45pm Dr Martens Premier Division

The match had begun with seven first team players on the injured list and a reversion to the 3-5-2 formation that had been abandoned around the Havant match mentioned above. The line-up saw Scott Hendy, Adam Howarth and Mike Trought form the back three and Josh Jefferies, Matt Coupe and Drew Shore form the midfield with Andy Williams and Steve Bridge in the wing-back roles. Up front Dan Cleverley was paired with the far from fully-fit Steve Tweddle. And once again City could only name four fit substitutes.

Formation and personnel were soon forgotten though as the home side came flying out of the blocks. Tulley had already fired a shot narrowly wide before player moaner manager Claridge produced a exquisite turn that left Hendy for dead on 5 minutes. His finish past Mark Bryant was simple by comparison. Two minutes later it got even worse for City and again it was Claridge who was at the heart of the problem. Barlow’s flick sent him clear and he used all his experience to wait for Howarth’s challenge before going to ground. The referee pointed to the spot and Tully sent Bryant the wrong way. City were chasing shadows and Partridge should have added a third only to see Bryant steal the ball off his toes. Their frustration was beginning to show and Coupe was luckily to only receive a yellow card for his late challenge on Claridge that incensed the player and left him hobbling for the rest of the half. As half time approached City finally began to get into the game and had a great chance to pull a goal back before the interval. A long ball forward saw Tweddle beat the offside trap. He controlled the high ball beautifully but keeper Matthews did well to smother his shot.

The second half began with little indication that a comeback was on the cards although City were beginning to see more possession in attacking areas. However, when the game turned it was in a most unexpected way. A ball into the box had seen the referee award a free-kick to Weymouth following a tussle between Hendy and Kenway. This was taken quickly but as the two players got to their feet the Terras defender reacted to a nudge by Hendy by pushing him in the face. The referee immediately showed Kenway a red card and awarded City a penalty. Tweddle made no mistake from 12 yards and within eight minutes he was repeating the trick. This time Cleverley had gone down under a challenge from Tulley. City had a third penalty appeal turned down minutes later when Browne felled Tweddle and it was now all the visitors as they searched for a third goal. It arrived with nine minutes remaining. A deep cross from Coupe picked out Cleverley near the edge of the box and he produced a stunning volley that flew over Matthews. It was a goal that deserved to win any match but there was still a final twist in this incredible game. Two minutes later Mr Malone was again pointing to the spot after Claridge has tumbled over Hendy’s tackle. Even then it looked as if City would protect their lead as Bryant flung himself to the right to push Tulley’s kick over the bar. Their joy lasted mere seconds though as the referee ruled he had encroached and ordered the kick to be retaken. Tulley made no mistake this time. Claridge almost won it for Weymouth in stoppage time, Bryant saving his well-struck effort - and the referee couldn’t make him take this shot again, luckily.