WESTON crashed to their third successive Blue Square South defeat, thanks to a 73rd-minute strike from old adversary Charlie Sheringham.

WESTON-S-MARE 0

DARTFORD 1

WESTON crashed to their third successive Blue Square South defeat, thanks to a 73rd-minute strike from old adversary Charlie Sheringham.

Over the seasons, Sheringham, son of former England star Teddy, has scored for Cambridge City, Bishop’s Stortford and Welling United against the Seagulls, this time securing a league double for the Darts.

Weston, still without Matt Villis and Nat Pepperall, but welcomed Kane Ingram back from suspension, made a bright start, forcing two corners in the first eight minutes and Justin Porter, with a thumping header, forced visiting keeper Andy Young to make a save at full stretch at the expense of a corner.

In a game of few scoring chances, Dartford’s Carl Rook went close with a header and Sheringham forced home keeper Lloyd Irish to fling himself to his left to deny him in a crowded six-yard box.

Early in the second half, Weston attacked strongly with Ingram firing narrowly across goal, Marcus Duharty was just off target and then forced a decent save from Young, who was injured diving at his legs when he was clean through, while Porter was just over with an effort from distance.

Dartford forced several corners and the crucial goal came when Jamie Laird slipped when making a challenge and Sheringham turned quickly and beat Irish.

Weston made three changes, bringing on Dale Grubb, Dean Grubb and Sahr Kabba for Simon Gilbert, Duharty and Ingram, but their effort faded out and Dartford ended comfortable winners.

WESTON STATS

Goal: Dartford, Sheringham (73).

Shots on target: Weston 2, Dartford 3.

Shots off target: Weston 4, Dartford 2.

Corners: Weston 4, Dartford 7.

Offsides: Weston 5, Dartford 5.

Free kicks conceded: Weston 13, Dartford 15.

Referee: Lee Swabey (Devonport). Good game.

Bookings: Weston, Laird. Dartford: Champion.

Attendance: 230.

Weston squad: Irish, Price, Slocombe, Rand, Laird, Kirk, Ingram (Kabba 80), Porter, Duharty (Dean Grubb 77), Gilbert (Dayle Grubb 70), Trowbridge. Subs (not used): Diallo, Cureton.