WARREN Weymouth’s 5-1 home victory over Welling United, according to Feeney, demonstrated “in abundance” deadly instinct.

Weymouth’s statistics were stark heading into the encounter, with the Terras winless in 14 home league matches this season and 14 points behind Welling and safety.

Instead, the archives were necessary since the victory became Weymouth’s first home five-goal haul in the league since defeating Maidstone 5-1 in February 2020.

This was also the Terras’ first league home win in regular 90 minutes since their 4-1 victory over Havant 315 days earlier, which proved to be Bobby Wilkinson’s final game in command.

Feeney’s team have finally reversed the gloomy narrative around the Bob Lucas Stadium, but only after escaping an early scare when Welling’s James Alabi’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Weymouth took a 2-0 lead after 29 minutes thanks to Brooklyn Genesini’s beautiful curler and Jake McCarthy’s deadly strike from a restricted angle.

Three minutes later, Alabi scored the goal his performance earned, heading in Daniel Martin’s cross.

But Welling unravelled after the half, aided by a horrible error by keeper Dylan Berry, as Josh McQuoid joyously took the gift from only two yards out.

After taking a 3-1 lead, Weymouth increased their lead when McCarthy converted a penalty and Genesini unleashed a spectacular 25-yard shot into the far corner.

When asked if his first league triumph was a monkey off his back, Feeney told the Echo, “It is, but it’s difficult to wave a magic wand.”

“up previous games, we’ve put up terrific performances but lacked that killing instinct, but on Saturday, we had enough of it.

“It’s just three points. I keep my feet firmly on the ground, and we need to build on that.”

Feeney, a former Northern Ireland international striker, has previously advocated for increased talent up front.

And his men responded with a magnificent performance in front of goal, netting five of their seven shots on goal.

“Blakey is currently helping out,” Feeney added. “He took the strikers for a little shooting.

“It all pays off with nice workers around me, and it’s a pleasant place to be. As long as we remain where we are, we can attempt to maintain the club positive.

“I came in the other day and saw everyone, even the staff. It’s difficult for them because of the circumstances, but it’s a fantastic family club, and we need to build that on the pitch.

“I’m just pleased for everyone associated with the three points.”

Gaining headway on Feeney’s old club, Welling, the Belfast-born manager believes it is now critical for the Terras to use the win as a springboard.

“It’s huge,” he conceded.

“Like I said, I’m not getting carried away. They have to build on it. There are still a lot of games to go.”

Feeney did admit, though, that he would try to ignore the issue at the table.

“I try not to look at it because I know what football’s like,” he told me.

“I try to take the pressure off the players because there are still a lot of games left, and there will be ups and downs.”

“We’ve been Saturday-Tuesday for the past month, and last week was perhaps the worst I’ve felt since I started here.

“Now, we had a performance on Tuesday that I believe showed some confidence. On Saturday, the lads took it outside.

“I usually keep them upbeat, so who knows? That is the thrill of football. One week is a long period in the game. “It’s an excellent three points for us.”

Weymouth will next face promoted Chesham United on Saturday (3pm).

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