WARREN Feeney felt Weymouth displayed killer instinct “in abundance” during their shock 5-1 home victory over Welling United.

The statistics were stark for Weymouth going into the game, the Terras winless in 14 home league matches this season plus 14 points off Welling, and safety.

Instead, the archives were required as the win became Weymouth’s first home five-goal haul in the league since thrashing Maidstone 5-1 in February 2020.

This was also the Terras’ first league home win in the regulation 90 minutes since the 4-1 success over Havant 315 days ago, a fixture that proved to be Bobby Wilkinson’s last in charge.

Feeney’s men have finally changed the negative narrative loitering at the Bob Lucas Stadium but only after surviving an early scare when Welling’s James Alabi had a goal ruled out for offside.

Weymouth forged 2-0 ahead by 29 minutes courtesy of Brooklyn Genesini’s gorgeous curler and Jake McCarthy’s lethal finish from a narrow angle.

Three minutes later, Alabi got the goal his performance deserved when he headed home Daniel Martin’s cross.

But Welling unravelled after the break, fuelled by a horrendous drop by keeper Dylan Berry as Josh McQuoid gleefully accepted the gift from all of two yards out.

After securing a 3-1 lead, Weymouth extended the gap further as McCarthy converted a penalty and Genesini unfurled a wondrous 25-yard strike into the far corner.

Asked if the first league win of his tenure was a monkey off his back, Feeney told the Echo: “It is, it’s difficult to wave a magic wand.

“There’s some games we’ve put (in) great performances but just lacking that killer instinct, and (Saturday) we’ve done that in abundance.

“It’s only three points. I keep my feet well on the ground and we’ve got to build on it.”

Feeney, himself a former Northern Ireland international striker, has previously called for more quality up front.

And his players finally delivered with a sparkling display in front of goal, scoring five of their seven shots on target.

“Blakey’s in at the moment helping out,” Feeney revealed. “He took the strikers for a wee bit of shooting.

“It all pays off with good staff around me and it’s a good place to be. As much as we are where we are, we can try and keep the club positive.

“I came in the other day and saw all the people and staff. It’s hard for them because of the situation but it’s a good family club and we’ve got to build this on the pitch.

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

Gaining ground on Welling, Feeney’s former club, the Belfast-born manager feels it is now imperative for the Terras to use the victory as a springboard.

“It’s huge,” he admitted.

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

However, Feeney conceded he would attempt to ignore at the table situation.

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

“I try and take the pressure off the players because there’s a lot of games to go still and there’ll be ups and downs.

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

“Now, we’ve put in a performance on Tuesday where I feel there’s a bit of belief there. The boys took it out there (Saturday).

“I always keep them positive and who knows? That’s the joy of football. A week’s a long time in the game. It’s a great three points for us.”

Weymouth next visit promoted side Chesham United on Saturday (3pm).