MARK Molesley has called on his players to treat today’s Vanarama National League South play-off final like any other game to secure back-to-back promotions for the Terras.

Weymouth host Dartford at the Bob Lucas Stadium today (1pm) but despite the size of the game, Molesley said he doesn’t want his players to prepare any differently. “It’s business as usual for us. It’s still a football match with two goals, a grass pitch and one ball. We are trying to make this as normal a game as we can because the players and everyone knows the pressure and what is at stake. It doesn’t need to be said. There’s everything to play for. It’s an exciting period for the club but we can’t afford to lose focus or lose sight of what we need to do to win this game.

Asked who could be the star man today, he added: “The way we set our team up, we are a complete unit. We are going to need everyone to play an equal part.

“Hopefully there is going to be a hero out there on our side but there will also be some unsung heroes as well.”

On the opponents, Molesley added: “Since the manager has taken over they have done nothing but win. They come in full of form and full of confidence. They are exciting, athletic and quick up front, experienced at the back and well put together in the midfield.”

Molesley praised the way the club has been run in the last few years, stating that had been crucial to their success: “It would mean so much to so many people, the club has been there before and it all ended dramatically with the way it happened and the club has been in free fall ever since.

“We have done it the sensible way. It’s not been built on money, it’s been built on hardwork and dedication from people at the club. We now have a chance when it looked like we wouldn’t at one point and it is a chance we have got to take with both hands.”

Molesley said playing in front of an empty stadium was a ‘surreal’ feeling: “To go four months without playing and then to play in the biggest game of the season, one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

“We never knew what to expect as we haven’t had much match practice but the lads showed real character. For such a young squad they showed maturity beyond their years because the situation is unheard of really, to go so long without playing and then perform like they did in such a big game. Full credit to the squad and the way they have looked after themselves.”

The club set up a fundraising appeal, which achieved the target of £35,000 the club needed to put on the play-offs while adhering to the coronavirus restrictions and rigorous testing routines in place.

Molesley thanked the Terras family for their support with the appeal. He said: “I want to say thank you to all our fans and everyone who has helped raise money for the club to even be able to put on these games.

“We hosted the semi-final and now the final, but it wouldn’t even be possible without our fans and all of our volunteers who have made this possible.

“We have had to comply with Premiership-standard Covid restrictions and we wouldn’t have been able to do that without their support.”

Head to https://events.sportradar.com/en-int/page/vanarama-national-league-play-offs to watch the game.

COME ON YOU TERRAS!