Weston’s interest in the FA Cup came to a halt with a home defeat against Brislington.

WESTON-S-MARE 2

BRISLINGTON 3

WESTON’S interest in this season’s FA Cup came to an abrupt halt when they were dumped out of the competition by their Toolstation Premier visitors in a game dominated by penalties and a string of contentious refereeing decisions.

Weston controlled the midfield play from the start, but found it difficult to hit the target, faced by a packed defence.

Early on, visiting keeper Chris Humphries did well to get down to cut out a low Tristan Plummer cross and then Weston were denied a penalty when a defender handled Brett Trowbridge’s free kick over his head, but Christchurch referee Adrian Quelch must have been one of the few people in the ground who missed the incident.

Later, Ashley Kington had a shot blocked by Humphries’ legs and the keeper made a superb save, turning another Plummer effort over his crossbar.

Much against the run of play, Brislington were awarded a penalty on 24 minutes when Neikell Plummer, brother of Weston’s Tristan, was brought down and Mike Rimmer beat Luke Purnell from the spot.

Two minutes before the interval, Brislington’s Alex Lambert, already on a yellow card, was lucky to be still on the field, but was given a final warning for a two-footed tackle, finished a speedy run down the right by adding the second goal, firing across Purnell.

From the start of the second half, Weston again pressed hard and were rewarded on 49 minutes when skipper Ben Kirk headed in Kington’s eighth corner of the game.

Minutes later there was a mass brawl near the Brislington dugout when manager Jeff Meacham refused to give the ball to Weston for a quick throw-in. This resulted in Jamie Laird getting his marching orders while Purnell and substitute Jake Harris were cautioned.

There was also a caution for Brislington’s Plummer while Meacham was ordered from the dugout.

Despite being a man short, Weston still controlled the midfield, keeping out the Brislington attack. Kane Ingram had the ball in the Brislington net on 75 minutes, but after consulting his assistant, Mr Quelch turned it down, despite strong protests from the Weston squad, a decision that mystified the home supporters who were near the incident.

Ingram had better luck on 86 minutes when he was brought down and he picked himself up to score from the penalty spot.

With the game heading for a replay deep into added on time, Brislington were awarded a free kick and when trying to clear, Kirk handled while lying on the ground, so once again Rimmer obliged from the penalty spot, to send the visitors away happy after picking up £7,500 in prize money.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Weston, Kirk (49), Ingram (86 penalty). Brislington, Rimmer (24 penalty, 90+5 penalty), Lambert (43).

Shots on target: Weston 7, Bristlington 4.

Shots off target: Weston 7, Brislington 3.

Corners: Weston 12, Brislington 1.

Offsides: Weston 4, Brislington 2.

Free kicks conceded: Weston 14, Brislington 9.

Referee: Adrian Quelch (Christchurch). Poor game. Made several controversial decisions.

Bookings: Weston, Jamie Laird (red), Purnell, Harris. Brislington, Hughes, Knight, Plummer, Lambert.

Attendance: 315.

Weston squad: Purnell, Walker (Harris 65), Slocombe, Kirk, Jamie Laird, Knowles, Diallo (Grubb 65), Kington, Plummer (Hemmings 80), Ingram, Trowbridge. Subs (not used): Fiddes, Ash, Monks, Callum Laird.

ON Saturday, Weston are back on Skrill South duty when Concord Rangers, newly promoted from the Ryman League, pay a first-time visit to Weston, who will be hoping to get their season back on track following two defeats.

On the following Tuesday, Weston play a rearranged league fixture away at Staines Town (7.45pm) with the party leaving the Woodspring Stadium at 3.15pm.