Weston lost to Eastbourne Borough after several refereeing decisions went against them at crucial times.

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 3

WESTON-SUPER-MARE 1

THE Weston party were left fuming after several controversial refereeing decisions led to defeat in East Sussex on their longest Vanarama Conference South trip of the season.

Latest signing former Bristol City player Aaron Brown, brother of striker Marvin who also played for the Seagulls, was in the centre of the defence and made a positive start with some superb distribution, but he faded somewhat in the second half.

Brown fired narrowly wide from Jamie Lucas’ lay-off in the opening minutes, but Weston went in front on 11 minutes when Conor O’Sullivan made a strong run at the home defence and played in Lucas whose low effort was parried by keeper Lewis Carey, who played several times for the Seagulls last season, and Jake Harris, with his second goal in successive games, scored from the rebound.

Clayton Fortune, on his first competitive start for the club, came close on 18 minutes after Harris had forced Weston’s first corner, but the home side equalised on 30 minutes when prolific scorer Richard Pacquette headed in substitute Sam Beale’s free kick.

Weston came close again at the end of the half when Joe McClenan made a strong run at the defence and skipper Tom Jordan’s shot was turned behind.

Weston kept pressure up early in the second half with Grubb going close and Harris having an effort hacked off the line with Carey beaten as well as firing just over.

The controversy began on 75 minutes when Grubb’s free kick was clearly tipped over his bar by Carey at full stretch, but with the Weston players expecting a corner, referee Paul Kelly awarded a goal kick and from the clearance, Eastbourne broke away for substitute Darren Lok to feed Gavin McCallum to score.

Minutes later, Weston’s misery was completed when the referee, who was some distance off the incident, indicated that Pacquette was fouled and the striker got his second goal from the penalty spot.

Later, at the other end, Grubb was bundled over, but this time the official waved play on despite Weston protests.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Eastbourne, Pacquette (30, 77 penalty), McCallum (76). Weston, Harris (11).

Shots on target: Eastbourne 5, Weston 4.

Shots off target: Eastbourne 6, Weston 7.

Corners: Eastbourne 8, Weston 7.

Offsides: Eastbourne 7, Weston 5.

Free kicks conceded: Eastbourne 7, Weston 8.

Referee: Paul Kelly. Poor game.

Bookings: Eastbourne, Hamilton, Weston, Grubb.

Attendance: 410.

Weston squad: Purnell, O’Sullivan (Camper 84), Llewellyn (Fiddes 78), Mawford, Jordan, Fortune, McClenan, Brown, Grubb, Harris (Teale 66). Subs (not used): Ash, Cane.

ON Saturday, Weston face Gosport Borough and on Bank Holiday Monday travel to Staines Town.

AT the start of the game at Eastbourne, the spectators were treated to the sight of two World War 2 Lancaster bombers flying in formation, as part of the Eastbourne Air Day as they flew over near the ground.