Despite a spirited performance, Weston narrowly lost 1 – 2 to newly-promoted Football League side Forest Green Rovers.
Although a difference of two leagues between the two teams, the game was competitive from the first minute. Dayle Grubb, Tristian Plummer and new signing Ben Seymour looked both lively and promising. Inside the first 5 minutes Grubb burst through the defensive line using his trademark close control to get a sight of goal, however the shot didn’t trouble the goalkeeper. Plummer and Seymour’s interchanging movement gave the Seagull’s midfield plenty of options and although the pair took full advantage of FGR’s high defensive line with their blistering pace they were unable to find the finishing touch.
In the 38th minute Weston made their fantastic start count; Plummer played an intelligent through ball to the equally impressive Jarrad Walsh, who somehow retained the ball amongst a sea of defenders, smashing a shot that cannoned back off the post, against the goalkeeper’s back and into the back of the net to put the Seagulls 1 – 0 up, a fair representation of the first half.
The second half was much more even, Forest Green Rovers grew into the game and really pushed the Weston defence however centre backs Jake Lee and Jamie Laird impressed, with the former making vital sliding tackles and blocks. The hosts still created chances though, Jason Pope played Seymour through on goal with a delicious through ball, but the striker was only able to hit the side netting.
The 66th minute saw the visitors find a way through Weston, finding space between Pope and Lee, Reece Brown slid the ball past Luke Purnell and into the bottom right corner to equalise.
The remainder of the half was broken up by many substitutions from both sides, however in the dying embers of the game FGR squeezed their way through the Seagull’s defence and after a goalmouth scramble, Shamir Mullings poked the ball past Purnell to win the game for FGR in the 88th minute to win the match.
The final score was 1 – 2 despite a very promising and lively performance from Weston. The Seagulls’ next game is on Saturday 22nd July at home to Cheltenham Town.
Weston 1-2 Forest Green Rovers
Weston XI: Purnell, Pope, Lee, Laird, Greenslade, Cane, Kington, Welsh, Plummer, Grubb (C), Seymour.
MOTM: Jake Lee.