Match report written by Rob Hammett, photography by Mark Stainer.

Weston were defeated in Vanarama National League South for only the fourth time this season following their 3-0 loss at Worthing.

The Seagulls made two changes to the starting line-up in West Sussex, as Jordan Bastin and Dylan Kadji were named from the start. 

The returning Kadji had Weston’s first shot on target in the first-half, but his effort from 25 yards out was dealt with comfortably by Chris Haigh in the Worthing goal.

Not long after, and the hosts took the lead with a fantastic goal to break the deadlock. Kane Wills’ cross from the left flank was superbly hooked in by Temi Babalola. 

The Seagulls had a chance to equalise when Billy Kirkman’s cross was headed just over the bar by Reuben Reid from around ten yards out.

Kadji was booked shortly after for a pull on Jack Spong as he attempted to break forward, before Weston were then two goals behind as the dangerous Babalola released Mo Faal and he rifled home from the edge of the area.

Joel Colbran nearly grabbed a third for the home side but he could only find the side netting from close range.

Facing an uphill battle, Weston’s task was made even harder when Kadji received his second yellow card after his challenge on Spong meant the former Bristol City man was sent for an early bath.

However, The Seagulls did create a good chance close to half-time when Max Harris’ long throw released Reid, whose superb pass found Sam Pearson but he fired just over from the edge of the area.

HALF-TIME: Worthing 2-0 Weston-super-Mare AFC

The second-half started quietly, as The Rebels seemed content to just keep possession and prevent Weston from being able to create anything going forward.

That was until Worthing scored their third to really put the game out of The Seagulls’ reach. Babalola was again involved as he found the dangerman Danny Cashman and he was able to place the ball into the bottom corner.

The Seagulls were resilient, however, and created a couple of half-chances as Billy Kirkman’s close-range header and a shot inside the area from Keiran Thomas were dealt with by Haigh.

With time running out, the busy James Dodd found substitute Brandon Bak, whose left-footed effort was tipped around the post by Haigh, and from Bastin’s corner, Emlyn Lewis headed just wide.

It proved to be a tough day on the road for The Seagulls, but they remain in second place ahead of their next outing, a trip to Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday, 10th December. 

FULL-TIME: Worthing 3-0 Weston-super-Mare AFC (Babalola 11′, Faal 21′, Cashman 57′)

Weston: Harris; Thomas, Kirkman, Avery, Lewis; Kadji, Jagger Cane (Chamberlain 45’+3), Dodd; Bastin, Pearson (Bak 65′), Reid (McCootie 75′).

Sub not used: Absalom.

Attendance: 1,493

Man of the Match: James Dodd. A battling performance from the former Exeter City man.