It was a frustrating game for Weston-super-Mare AFC as they conceded a penalty in the last 10 minutes to end the game 2-1 to Aveley FC in their fixture on Saturday.
Despite dictating play for much of the game, including the first half where they enjoyed the vast majority of possession, The Seagulls suffered to the last-minute penalty winner after already fighting back from 1-0 down due to an Aveley corner.
An open header at the back post for Aveley’s Harry Gibbs in the 27th minute shot straight past Max Harris and into the back of the net for a textbook set piece goal that Weston manager Scott Bartlett would not have been happy to see his team concede to go 1-0 down.
After seeing themselves go behind to such a simple goal, Weston upped their play and replied less than 10 minutes later.
A phenomenal ball over the top from James Dodd found Marlon Jackson who took a touch and got a shot off which was saved well by Aveley keeper Jonathan North, but youngster Bailey Kempster was there to provide the finish off the rebound at make it 1-1 in the 36th minute.
Kempster, who put in a man of the match performance, was brilliant all game on the left, taking on players and putting some great deliveries into the box, and along with the likes of Dodd and Jacob Jagger Cane drove Weston forward to play some good advancing football.
There was also a chance for Marlon Jackson to show off his skills after an injury in the 12th minute side lined regular striker Reuben Reid for the rest of the game.
In his 80 or so minutes on the pitch Jackson was impressive, holding up play against the opposing centre backs, making energetic runs in behind, and producing some great link up play with his wingers Kempster and Robbie Willmott whenever he came short to receive a pass.
With the sides going in even at half time the second half was set up to be a thriller, with both teams looking to gain on those above them in the table, but it was not to be.
Aveley set up more defensively in the second period, seemingly more content with their singular point than The Seagulls and allowed their opponents to push on to them all whilst looking for a counter.
This type of play set the tone for most of the second half, with Weston playing their football in enemy territory but being unable to produce a clear-cut chance save for a few half attempts from the likes of Robbie Willmott and Kempster.
The penalty came in the 79th minute after a rash challenge from Cane in the box brought down Aveley’s Ryan Carr for what was a stonewall penalty, and Siju Odelusi was there to provide the final finish.
Weston pushed on for an equaliser in the remaining 10 minutes after Aveley's penalty, including shots from Lloyd Humphries, Jackson, and Willmott but to no avail as time ran out and Weston were consigned to a harsh 2-1 loss to the eighth-place team.
Weston now go on to their second game in the space of a week where they take on an Eastbourne Borough squad who sit six points below them in the table.
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