FOR only the second time in their 64-year history, Weston has reached the final of the Somerset Premier Cup with this win over Radstock, of the Toolstation Western League’s Premier Division.

WESTON-S-MARE 2

RADSTOCK TOWN 1

FOR only the second time in their 64-year history, Weston has reached the final of the Somerset Premier Cup with this win over Radstock, of the Toolstation Western League’s Premier Division.

Weston will now meet Yeovil Town, 3-1 winners over Clevedon Town on Tuesday, May 3, at a venue yet to be decided.

Although there was only a goal difference between the sides, Weston had the overwhelming share of play and should have had the game sewn up by the interval.

Radstock made a lively start, pressing strongly, but the home goal was never seriously troubled. Then on seven minutes the Seagulls forced their first corner and Dayle Grubb was just off target with a 15-yard effort and minutes later a Radstock defender almost put through his own goal from Jamie Price’s effort.

In almost constant pressure, Weston went close again when Sahr Kabba got the better of central defender Jack Metcalfe and lobbed keeper Gary Stevens who had come off his line. Unfortunately, the ball bounced a couple of yards out and up and over the crossbar of the unguarded goal.

In other attacks, Kane Ingram had a low effort beaten out by defender Stewart Bryant and in quick succession, Price and Ingram twice went close.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 42nd minute when Ingram put Grubb clear on the left and his low cross was touched on by Kabba for Pepperell to score from close range.

Five minutes into the second half Weston struck again when Price sent Pepperell clear on the right and the low cross was again touched on by Kabba for Ingram to beat Stevens. Minutes later, Craig Rand tried an effort from the halfway line with Stevens off his line and the keeper just managed to get back and tip the ball over his crossbar and then the keeper saved another Pepperell effort with his legs without knowing too much about it.

With only their second shot on target, Radstock pulled a goal back on 70 minutes when Price slipped making a challenge, giving Radstock’s Tom Hamilton the opportunity to beat Lloyd Irish, and the game ended with Weston forcing four more corners.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Weston, Pepperell (42), Ingram (50). Radstock, Hamilton (70).

Shots on target: Weston 6, Radstock 3.

Shots off target: Weston 11, Radstock 2.

Corners: Weston 9, Radstock 0.

Offsides: Weston 4, Radstock 2.

Free kicks conceded: Weston 13, Radstock 20.

Referee: Paul Rees (Portishead). Excellent game.

Bookings: Weston, Rand, Jamie Laird. Radstock, Hamilton.

Attendance: 182.

Weston squad: Irish, Price, Slocombe, J Laird, Rand, Grubb, Kirk, Kabba, Trowbridge, Pepperell: Subs (not used): Duharty, Porter, C Laird, Mawford, Gilbert.