Bartolo 'can go from strength-to-strength' after netting first Terras goal

JAIDEN Bartolo has not been at Weymouth long but the 18-year-old striker is already impressing on the Dorset coast.

The young forward joined the Terras on loan from League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers in October and scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday night.

A stunning curling effort with his left foot had put the Terras in front against the Seagulls as the team went on to draw 1-1 in Somerset.

Now that the Gibraltar international has opened his account for the club, Terras boss Mark Molesley has praised the young forward's performance and believes the 18-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.

He said: "I was delighted for him, he is a breath of fresh air.

"He has a great attitude and he has a great future in the game.

"He wants to listen and learn and this loan will be good for him to learn his craft.

"He led the line brilliantly (against Weston-super-Mare) and that type of finish, on his so-called weaker side was brilliant, and hopefully he can go from strength to strength now."

Bartolo has scored once in his five appearances for the club this season but it is not only his goal threat that is impressing his new boss, but also his work ethic.

The 18-year-old is not afraid of putting in a shift and is also becoming a key player in helping Weymouth carve out chances in games - especially when linking up with his Wycombe teammate Christie Ward - who is also on loan at the club.

Molesley added: "I think strikers are ultimately judged on the goals they score and it is good that he is up and running, but it is also the hard work he puts in for the team.

"I am delighted he got his goal and hopefully it is the start of more to come."

Bartolo will be available for today's game against St Albans and will be looking to add to his tally in what is a crucial game at the bottom of the National League South.

However, after today's game, Bartolo will be heading off with the Gibraltar national team for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

With six caps for his nation, the striker has been called up for the games against San Marino and Moldova on November 15 and 19.

It does mean the striker will be unavailable for several games for the Terras whilst away on international duty.

He will miss the Dorset Senior Cup tie with Wimborne on November 12, the FA Trophy second round fixture with Weston-super-Mare on November 16, and the league game with Welling United on November 19.