WESTON suffered back-to-back home pre-season defeats despite spirited displays against league opposition.

Exeter City and a youthful Bristol City outfit both won 3-1 this week at the Woodspring Stadium as the Seagulls continue to prepare for the new season.

With just a fortnight before the Skrill South – the new name for the division after Blue Square did not extend its non-league contract – Weston impressed against higher league opposition.

But conceding three soft goals against Exeter on Thursday prevented the Seagulls from getting a result.

Louis Feeley, signed from Hereford United this week, came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening 10 minutes but the visitors took the lead on the half hour mark.

Hesitant defending allowed Tom Nicholls to cross for Jake Gosling to finish past Lloyd Irish.

The impressive Bradley Ash – recently promoted from Weston’s academy – almost equalised seconds later but his shot was tipped onto the crossbar.

Elliott Chamberlain doubled Exeter’s lead on the hour-mark before Naby Diallo pulled one back.

With 20 minutes to go he dribbled past a couple of defenders before finishing from the edge of the area.

A late Chamberlain penalty sealed Exeter’s win but saw an injury-hit Weston enter Monday’s game against Bristol City in confident fashion.

Ashley Kington hit the crossbar and forced a superb save from City goalkeeper Elliott Parish before Weston took a deserved lead on seven minutes, when Callum Laird poked home from close range.

Former West Ham and Newcastle forward Marlon Harewood, currently on trial at Ashton Gate, scored twice in 13 first-half minutes as City took the lead.

Two fine saves by Parish retained the visitors’ advantage before Toby Ajala completed the scoring in the dying seconds of the half, tapping home after Luke Purnell had parried Luke Dobie’s strike.

Weston have two friendlies left before the season starts as they welcome Forest Green on Saturday and Frome Town on August 10.

Their league campaign season begins at home to Eastbourne Borough seven days later.

The Seagulls have been drawn at home to Chard Town in the first round of the Somerset Premier Cup, with the tie being played on September 30.