Match report written by Rob Hammett 

Weston made it through to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after their 2-0 victory at Wimborne Town, as goals from Luke Coulson and Nick McCootie earned the win.

Following on from last Saturday’s game at St Albans City, Scott Bartlett made two changes to his starting line-up as McCootie replaced Brandon Bak, and Max Harris came in for Will Buse, who returned to his parent club following his loan spell.

Harris, playing for the first time in his latest loan spell from Cheltenham Town, was a mere spectator in the first-half as Weston were in complete control on a glorious afternoon in Dorset. 

The Seagulls’ cause was helped when they took an early lead through leading goalscorer Coulson. A purposeful run from Reuben Reid ended with the ball finding Coulson, who lined up his shot from around 25 yards. His powerful effort looked like it had been dealt with by Charlie Philpot, but his parried attempt to push the ball to safety saw the ball squirm out of his control, before spinning out of his reach and over the line. Initially, the match officials didn’t award the goal, but after a few moments of deliberation, the goal was given.

That strike seemed to take the wind out of Wimborne’s sails, as they found it difficult to retain the ball, which led to further Weston chances.

And not long after, The Seagulls were flying as they doubled their lead. The Magpies were caught out at the back as their defenders moved forward, and a ball in behind them saw McCootie latch onto the ball. Philpot ran hastily off his line, and McCootie took the ball around him outside the area and calmly placed the ball into the back of the net as Wimborne defenders desperately lunged in attempting to clear.

The Seagulls remained in control for the rest of the half, and Dylan Kadji nearly made it three as his left-footed effort from 25 yards was heading for the top corner, but Philpot tipped it over.

HALF-TIME: Wimborne Town 0-2 Weston-super-Mare AFC

Wimborne had been fairly anonymous going forward in the first 45 minutes, but Harris was finally called into meaningful action when he made a strong save from Harvey Wright. At the other end James Dodd’s pass found Reuben Reid, who twisted and turned before seeing his shot held by Philpot. 

Harris was busy again as he had to deal with a couple of troublesome looking crosses while under pressure, before making his best save from Sam Jackson’s downward header from a corner, as Harris showed great agility to get down on his line and hold onto the ball. 

The Seagulls had a few more opportunities to really put the game to bed as Coulson’s corner was headed back across the goal by the commanding Emlyn Lewis, but McCootie couldn’t quite add the finishing touch.

As the game entered its final stages, substitute Jordan Bastin again showed some great promise from the bench. Firstly, he did well to burst through the middle of the Wimborne defence before eventually being crowded out, before his late dipping volley was just wide.

It was a deserved victory for Weston, who made it into the Third Qualifying Round for the seventh season in a row. We all now eagerly await the draw for the next round, which takes place on Monday,16th September at 1pm.

FULL-TIME: Wimborne Town 0-2 Weston-super-Mare AFC (Coulson 12’, McCootie 15’)

Weston: Harris, Kadji (Jagger Cane 57’), Kirkman (Avery 90’), Pope, E. Lewis, Chamberlain, Dodd, Morgan, McCootie (Bastin 72’), Reid (Bak 72’), Coulson

Unused subs: Absalom, Thomas, Kempster

Attendance: 461

Man of the Match: Billy Kirkman. Following on from his impressive debut at St Albans last Saturday, the Swindon Town loanee was again strong at the back and a threat going forward.