Weston gave another sterling performance in their final pre-season game against Torquay United.

WESTON-S-MARE 0

TORQUAY UNITED 3

WESTON gave another sterling performance in their final pre-season game and the final scoreline flattered their Football League Division 2 opponents.

The home side dominated the first half, with Chas Hemmings leading the attack well, supported by Brett Trowbridge and Nabbi Diallo, while widemen Ross Stern and Nat Pepperell caused problems to the Torquay defence with some telling crosses.

The strike force was well supported by Ashley Kington and Owen Irish, brother of keeper Lloyd and Jamie Laird, Jamie Price and newcomer Pete Monks were solid at the back, with Torquay having only one effort on goal.

In the opening minutes, Stern skimmed the Torquay crossbar and Trowbridge was just off target with a strong header and they forced a couple of corners. Torquay’s first effort on the home goal came on 23 minutes when Lloyd Irish, at full stretch, turned Kevin Nicholson’s low free kick round his post.

Back came Weston and Torquay keeper Martin Rice made a good save to deny Diallo and minutes later the keeper pulled off a superb save to deny Hemmings powerful volley.

Against the run of play, Torquay were awarded a harsh penalty when Ross was adjudged to have tripped Daniel Leadbitter and skipper Lee Mansell sent Lloyd Irish the wrong way from the spot.

For the second half, Torquay made several changes and came more into the game. Powerfully-built striker Rene Howe had an early header on target and Weston’s second keeper Connor Sidley-Adams made a stunning save to turn a Howe effort over his crossbar.

In a good move down the right, Chris Young, who had taken over from Hemmings, fired narrowly across goal with Rice stranded and the side forced four more corners.

Six minutes from time, Bowden made a strong run at the home defence and squared the ball for Billy Bodin to score from close range and on the stroke of full time, Howe burst from half way through the defence to seal the win.

Weston: Lloyd Irish (Connor Sidley-Adams 66), Jamie Price (Callum Laird 82), Pete Monks, Ashley Kington (Robbie Maggs 72), Owen Irish, Jamie Laird, Ross Stern (Kane Ingram 55), Nabi Diallo, Chas Hemmings (Chris Young 58), Brett Trowbridge (Ben Kirk 54), Nat Pepperell.

ON Saturday, Weston begin their Blue Square South League programme when newly relegated from the Nationwide Conference, Hayes and Yeading provide the opposition at the Woodspring Stadium.

On Tuesday next, August 21, Weston travel to Farnborough in Hampshire, also for a league fixture.

The club has announced that midfielder Ben Cleverley has been released and has joined Toolstation League Division 1 team Shepton Mallet.

Due to work commitments, Ben is unable to commit himself to Weston’s training and playing schedule. All at the club wish Ben every success in the future.