Weston-super-Mare 0 Welling 3 ANDY Gurney praised his young squad despite a home defeat against the mid-table side from east London.

Weston-super-Mare 0

Welling 3

ANDY Gurney praised his young squad despite a home defeat against the mid-table side from east London.

The Seagulls boss blooded a number of inexperienced players on Saturday and says his young charges can be proud of their performance.

The 35-year-old paid tribute to the efforts of defender Sam Clark and forward Sam Johnson, aged 18 and 19 respectively, who put in impressive performances.

Gurney said: "The youngsters did well for the majority of the game and it was a good opportunity to see what they could do.

"Sam and Sam did very well and it gives us a bit of food for thought for next season.

"Obviously next year we are looking to improve the squad and it was a nice opportunity for the young players to get some experience."

Gurney's experimental side, which was partly forced due to injuries to several first team regulars, featured one current youth team player and four graduates from last season's youth team.

Welling were in command early on, but did not have a shot until the 20th minute, when Purnell made a superb diving save from Loui Fazakerley.

Darren Mullings, back after an ankle injury, missed a good chance at the other end and Weston could have been 3-0 to the good before The Wings opened the scoring if Scott Partridge and Clark had taken their opportunities.

The breakthrough came on 37 minutes when Sam Hurrell burst down the left and crossed for Sanchez Ming to slot home from 15 yards.

One minute before the break Purnell was beaten again when Ryan Johnson scored with a superb 25-yard snap shot.

Minutes into the second half, Grubb made a speedy run on the right, but Jack Compton miskicked in front of goal with only keeper David Wilkinson to beat.

On 53 minutes, Compton, changing wings, burst down the right, but this time Mullings miskicked from a couple of yards out.

Gurney brought on Marvin Brown and Marc McGregor for Partridge and Clark, but the substitutes could not pull Weston back into the game and the game.

Charlie Sheringham, son of former England striker Charlie, completed the scoring on 82 minutes when he rounded Purnell and fired into the empty net.