Weston-super-Mare were plunged into the relegation zone today (Saturday) as they lost 3-1 to high-flying Hampton and Richmond at The Woodspring Stadium.

A first-half penalty from Brad Ash was cancelled out by a Jamal Lowe finish, before two late goals ensured the Seagulls succumbed to another defeat on their own patch.

Weston now sit 20th in the league having lost 12 league games out of the 16 played.

Both teams came out all guns blazing and there were early chances for Nicke Kabamba, for the visitors. and Ash for the home side which went begging.

The Seagulls looked to have a new-found confidence following their point at Oxford City last weekend with Kane Ingram and Joe McClennan breaking free from a quick Hampton backline.

The best chance of the match came after ten minutes. A dangerous Beavers corner found the head of Brendan Kiernan but Luke Purnell tipped it over the bar brilliantly.

But the Seagulls grew into the game with Jon Moran going close and Brad Ash causing the visitors’ defence all sorts of problems.

Kiernan was looking the most dangerous for the Beavers and a superb solo run almost resulted in the opening goal but it sailed just wide, much to the relief of Purnell.

Jamie Bird then attempted to open the scoring in spectacular fashion. He intercepted the ball from midfield and he shot from 30-yards. It was a rather ambitious shot and it sailed wide of the post.

Minutes later, the Beavers thought they had opened the scoring themselves. The ball was nestled into the back of the net following a corner but the referee quickly blew for a foul.

It was certainly not a dull first half and Weston’s players will certainly watch an excellent first-half chance back with a few blushes.

An excellent corner found Ash – which only needed a touch – but the striker lost his footing before Jamie Laird skied the re-bound.

As the half wore on, the Seagulls continued to grow in confidence and impress both with and without the ball.

Ash had been a thorn in the opposition’s side and his never-say-die attitude set him free from the defence a number of times.

Kane Ingram was next to try his luck from 20-yards, five minutes before the break, but the strike could only go wide. But the endeavour from the side was impressive and something which has been lacking in this Weston side over the past 11 matches.

The Seagulls’ good play was then rewarded two minutes before half-time when Ash was tumbled over by Louis John.

Ash made no mistake with the spot-kick to give the home side a deserved lead.

However, Hampton’s star-striker Jamal Lowe– who this week signed an 18-month contract at Portsmouth from January – skimmed past the Seagulls’ defence and slotted home scored his 12th goal of the season with ease.

Both teams came out strongly in the second half with Lowe again looking lively for the visitors.

It was a close call as to which striker looked the most dangerous though with Ash again causing havoc in the Beavers’ box.

All of Weston’s hard work was then undone by some sloppy defending while they were trying to push forward themselves.

Nicke Kabambe easily won the ball and his run was only ever going to end one way as he slotted home past Purnell.

Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick then added a killer blow in added time to inflict a damning 11th defeat in 12 matches on the Seagulls.