WESTON’S three-year-long unbeaten run in the Somerset Premier Cup finally came to an end on Tuesday as they were knocked out by Frome Town.

The Seagulls had been cup winners in each of the past two seasons but they were beaten for the first time in the competition since November 11, 2009 when they were defeated 3-1, also by Frome.

But manager Craig Laird says his team will use the 4-3 loss as a ‘springboard’ to kick on in the Blue Square South, after a 0-0 draw at Billericay Town on Saturday.

His team were unlucky not to come away with all three points on Saturday, which saw a patched-up defence featuring midfielder Brett Trowbridge at centre-back after Manny Parry was recalled by parent club Stoke City.

Ashley Kington hit the foot of a post from 25 yards in the second half, before Ross Stearn, who has enjoyed an impressive start to his Seagulls career, shaved the same post with a low effort.

Kane Ingram saw a header rebound off the crossbar and Stearn had another effort beaten away by home goalkeeper Luke Bartlett as the Seagulls ended the stronger side.

The result leaves Weston in 12th place in the league, but only three points off a play-off spot.

Tuesday’s match saw a reunion between two teams who last met in FA Cup qualifying in September, Weston winning that encounter 2-0.

But Evo-Stik Southern Premier side Frome were determined to get revenge and took the lead on 19 minutes through Lewis Powell’s penalty.

Weston, who had started the better team, levelled on 27 minutes through Nabi Diallo’s deflected shot and went ahead through Matt Smith’s own goal.

But the away team then took control as Powell scored two more goals to complete his hat-trick and Mike Perrett added a fourth.

Former Weston favourite Dave Gilroy missed another penalty for the visitors before Kayne McLaggon notched a consolation for Weston in added time.

After tasting his first defeat in the competition as Weston manager, Laird said: “We’re disappointed to have gone out.

“I think Frome played very well against us and we didn’t play as well as we should have to be honest.

“But we need to use it as a springboard for the rest of the season.

“We got a good result on Saturday when we probably should have come away with three points and then to be disappointed like we were last night is hard but we’ve got to use it as a catalyst to go on and do bigger and better things.”

Speaking of former Southampton striker McLaggon, who scored his first goal for the club on Tuesday, Laird said: “He did fine – he showed flashes of what he can do at times with his pace and ability, but there were a few things that he needs to work on.

“He did all he could.”

The Seagulls have a tough assignment on Saturday as they travel to Salisbury City in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy with The Whites currently nine points clear at the top of the Blue Square South table.

Brett Trowbridge will be absent through suspension, but otherwise Laird has a fully fit squad to pick from.