Weston’s young side put up a superb performance against the Vanarama Conference South champions Bromley.

BROMLEY 3

WESTON 0

WESTON’S young side put up a superb performance against the Vanarama Conference South champions who were flattered by the three-goal margin.

The visitors had as much of the midfield play, but their attack failed to break down a home defence that had conceded just 44 goals in 40 games.

Weston welcomed back Luke Purnell and Clayton Fortune from injury and the side made a positive start with Bradley Ash and Joe McClennan testing home keeper Alan Julian in a game spoiled by a strong wind that blew across the Hayes Lane ground, making control difficult.

As Bromley got into their stride, Moses Ademola saw his header come back off the Weston crossbar, but they did better on 28 minutes when Bradley Goldberg’s miscued effort fell for Reece Prestedge to beat Purnell with a low effort.

The hosts doubled their advantage on 37 minutes when Prestidge’s great looped pass found Ademola wide on the right and his cross was caught by the wind and out of Purnell’s reach.

Shortly after, Weston had strong claims for a penalty ignored by referee Mike George when a Bromley defender was clearly to be seen handling.

Weston made a bright start to the second half, with Jake Mawford making several penetrating runs on the left and again he went close as did McClennan who fired straight at Julian from a couple of yards.

Bromley struck again on 59 minutes when Purnell made a superb save to deny Ademola, but the ball fell for Prestedge, who squared for Jamie Slabber to fire into the empty net.

Weston brought on 18-year-old Will Sneddon-Coombes for his first taste of senior football and moved Tom Jordan to lead the attack and although he won several aerial duels, he was unable to break down the defence.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Bromley, Prestedge (28), Ademola (37), Slabber (49).

Shots on target: Bromley 8, Weston 3.

Shots off target: Bromley 5, Weston 3.

Corners: Bromley 4, Weston 5.

Offside: Bromley 3, Weston 1.

Free kicks conceded: Bromley 12, Weston 5.

Referee: Mike George. Missed several crucial incidents.

Bookings: Weston, Mitchell, Edge.

Attendance: 2,983.

Weston squad: Purnell, Mitchell, Mawford, Edge (Ingram 62), Jordan, Fortune, Cane, Brown, Ash (Sneddon-Coombes 80), Grubb, McClennan (Watkins 54). Subs (not used): Barnes, Burton.

ON Saturday, Weston play their final game of the season when Basingstoke Town provide the opposition at the Woodspring Stadium (3pm).

This will be followed by a presentation evening at the club commencing with dinner at 6.30pm.

Tickets are still available from the club, priced £20.