Weston were held to a goalless draw against 10-man Whitehawk.

WHITEHAWK 0

WESTON-S-MARE 0

ALTHOUGH Weston dominated the first-ever meeting between the clubs, they failed to break down a stubborn home defence, even when the hosts were reduced to 10 men for most of the second half.

Skipper and goalkeeper Chris Winterton was shown a straight red card by referee Constantine Hatzidakis 10 minutes into the second half for handling the ball outside his area, but after that the side packed their defence and although Weston mounted attack after attack, they could not score.

Weston were again missing injured Dayle Grubb, but had club captain Ben Kirk making his first appearance for the season, started well in control, forcing two early corners and they came close on 10 minutes when Tristan Plummer’s effort came off a post and was turned behind by Winterton. Minutes later, Kane Ingram forced a good save by the keeper from Ashley Kington’s free kick.

Whitehawk mounted their first foray into the Weston half on 22 minutes when Danny Mills headed over from Jake Robinson’s cross. In another attack just before the break, Weston keeper Luke Purnell saved well from Hakeem Adelskun, as the home side forced two consecutive corners.

The hosts made a bright start to the second half and came close on 51 minutes when Steve Gargan headed against the underside of Weston’s bar and Purnell managed to punch the rebound to safety.

With the departure, Gargan took over in goal and protected by a packed defence, did well, making several important saves.

Near the end, Weston brought on new signing Jake Harris, just released by Hereford United and he forced Gargan to concede two more corners with snap shots.

WESTON STATS

Shots on target: Whitehawk 3, Weston 7.

Shots off target: Whitehawk 3, Weston 7.

Corners: Whitehawk 3, Weston 8.

Offside: Whitehawk 3, Weston 3.

Free kicks conceded: Whitehawk 11, Weston 7.

Referee: Constantine Hatzidakis (London). Competent game.

Bookings: Whitehawk, Winterton (red), Gargan. Weston, Plummer.

Attendance: 156.

Weston squad: Purnell, Walker (Fiddes 75), Slocombe, Kington, Jamie Laird, Knowles, Kirk, Trowbridge, Plummer, Ingram (Harris 85), Diallo (McLaggon 84). Subs (not used): Hemmings, Callum Laird.

ON Saturday, Weston start out on the FA Cup trail when they visit Basingstoke (3pm). If a replay is necessary, it will be at the Woodspring Stadium on Tuesday evening (7.45pm).

Weston met the Hampshire-based club in the league on August Bank Holiday at home, winning 1-0, thanks to Naby Diallo’s strike.