Weston returned to the top of the table with a 4-0 win away at Gosport Borough. Goals from Dayle Grubb, Scott Laird and a Marlon Jackson brace ensured the Seagulls came away victorious.
The game started in a free flowing fashion with both teams showing positive attacking impetus within the first ten minutes. Elis Watts looked dangerous down the right hand side and that would be a theme that continued for the rest of the evening.
After having a chance of his own well saved by Patrick O’Flaherty, it would be Watts who set up Jackson to break the deadlock. Driving from the right flank to cut inside, he set it to Jackson who made the difficult look simple. He turned his man superbly and lashed an effort home from 12 yards out to send the Seagulls 0-1 up.
This gave Weston a foothold on the game and allowed them to play with more freedom. This was rewarded on the 36 minute mark when Dayle Grubb released a trademark stunner from 25 yards to double his side’s lead. Finding himself in space, he took the initiative to strike a curling shot which found the top corner leaving O’Flaherty with no chance.
It went from good to great for the Seagulls just 4 minutes later when it was Scott Laird’s turn to add a goal. Grubb delivered an excellent corner and as seen multiple times already this season, Laird darted to the front post and saw his glancing header end up in the back of the net, leaving Weston in a very strong position at half time.
Half Time: Gosport Borough 0-3 Weston-super-Mare
The second half was similar in nature to the first, Weston controlling the game and looking comfortable. The first real chance fell to Laird who saw a shot blocked and land at Jackson’s feet. Jackson duly converted but was adjudged to be offside by the assistant referee.
Lightning wasn’t to strike twice however as on 59 minutes Laird saw an effort saved but the ball once again landed at Jackson’s feet. The number 9 converted and this time there was no flag to halt the celebrations and the Seagulls took a 4-0 lead at Privett Park.
Gosport did grow into the game and showed some fight despite the scoreline. A couple of half-chances were carved out but nothing that troubled Purnell.
As time wound down, new signings Nathaniel Williams and Olly Mehew featured to freshen things up and keep the tempo high. Noah Coppin would also replace Reid late on and went well about trying to search for that fifth goal. That goal never did come and after an additional 2 minutes the referee blew for time leaving the travelling support jubilant.
Full Time: Gosport Borough 0-4 Weston-super-Mare
Weston XI: Purnell, Pope, Humphries, Avery, Laird (Williams 80′), Grubb (Mehew 70′), Dodd, Jagger-Cane, Watts, Jackson, Reid (Coppin 85′).
Unused Subs: Murray, Bastin
MOTM: Elis Watts
Attendance: 646