Weston lifted themselves off the bottom of the Vanarama National League South table with victory over Margate.

MARGATE 0

WESTON-S-MARE 2

WESTON enjoyed the benefit of an overnight stay in Kent to record their second away win of the season and lift themselves off the bottom of the Vanarama National League South.

This was Weston’s first-ever win at Hartsdown Park, going back when the sides met in the Southern League and the first goals Weston scored.

Weston were without Tristan Plummer who was unavailable and skipper Dayle Grubb, who twisted an ankle in the cup game at Hook Norton.

Margate, who were looking for a first home win, made a strong start forcing the first of 11 corners, with Freddie Ladapo testing keeper Luke Purnell.

But Weston made the breakthrough on 11 minutes when Ben Withey made a speedy run down the right and squared the ball for Bradley Ash to beat home keeper Nikki Bull.

Seven minutes later Jake Mawford, who dominated the midfield, sliced through the home defence and set up Ash for his second score.

As Margate came into the game, twice Ladapo rounded Purnell, but the defence scrambled the ball to safety as the Weston goal bore a charmed life.

Scott Wilson had a great chance of adding a third for Weston when he burst through the defence, but Bull came off his line to turn the shot behind for Weston’s first corner.

In the second half, Wilson and skipper for the day Jamie Edge had good efforts for Weston, while Danny Green had a free kick brilliantly turned over by Purnell.

The keeper again excelled, turning substitute Christian Jolley’s 20-yard piledriver on to a post and safety, while at the other end, Ollie Barnes’ headed goal was denied by an offside flag.

In injury time, Margate came close again when Charlie Wassmer hit a post.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Weston, Ash (11, 18).

Shots on target: Margate 6, Weston 4.

Shots off target: Margate 7, Weston 4.

Corners: Margate 11, Weston 2.

Offsides: Weston 1.

Free kicks conceded: Margate 11, Weston 14.

Referee: Anthony Da Costa (London). Over fussy, awarded 25 free kicks.

Bookings: Weston, Barnes, Ash.

Attendance: 650.

Weston squad: Purnell, Keary, Barnes, Pope (Byrne 65), Edge, Fortune, Withey, Ash (Page 73), Wilson, Mawford (Cane), Llewellyn. Subs (not used): Filipov, Wring.

ON Saturday Weston are back on duty in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup when they make a first-ever visit to Wingate and Finchley of the Ryman Premier League.

Should a replay be necessary, it will be held at the Woodspring Stadium on Tuesday, October 13 (7.45pm).