Kicking off the final month of 2017, Weston were beaten by one of the league’s currently in-form sides Hampton & Richmond at the Woodspring Stadium, ending their unbeaten run,
Weston wasted little time in turning their early possession into a goal. Dayle Grubb cut inside, laid the ball off for Jarrad Welch who returned in in a one-two, allowing the skipper to strike the ball from 25 yards into the bottom corner past Hampton keeper Sam Howes on five minutes.
The visitors were back on level terms within five minutes when Taurean Roberts beat Jason Pope on the left side and clipped a ball to the back post where unmarked centre-back Charlie Wassmer was on hand to nod home.
Judging from the responses from the home supporters, they seemed to think there was some questionable decisions from the officials throughout that continually disrupted the flow of the game, with Gethyn Hill and Welch receiving yellow cards, much to considerable loud protestations and frustration.
Hampton managed to steal the winner 11 minutes from time when Bristol City loanee, Harvey Smith, was adjudged to have fouled Christian Jolley inside the box. Up stepped former Wycombe man Max Kretzschmar, who powered the spot-kick from 12 yards past Purnell.
Ash Kington was unable to find the target from 25 yards with a low drive, and Hill’s acrobatic volley from 6 yards was blocked by a defender as the Seagulls continued to press, the introductions of Tristan Plummer and target man Jake Reid allowing them to up the pressure.
Into added time, Purnell’s long kick bounced on through towards Hill, in a desperate attempt to clear, Wassmer headed past the onrushing figure of his goalkeeper, the ball striking the post and going out for a corner.
Marc McGregor’s side suffer their first defeat in all competitions since 14th October, Hampton however continue their unbeaten run.
FT: Weston 1-2
MOTM: Ash Kington (WsM)