Gloucester 3 Weymouth 1

Weymouth were left empty-handed on Saturday afternoon after conceding twice late on in a 3–1 defeat away to high-flying Gloucester City.

The first half produced few clear chances for either side. The most notable early moment came in the 16th minute when Gloucester worked the ball down the Terras’ right flank and bundled home from close range, only for the assistant’s offside flag to come to Weymouth’s rescue.

Both teams were forced into early changes. A Gloucester player pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury after chasing a ball down the right and had to be replaced. Shortly after the half-hour mark, Weymouth were also dealt a blow when Matty Burrow was forced off with a dead leg, with Reuben Reid coming on in his place.

Reid nearly made an immediate impact. After Gloucester captain Luke Thomas went to ground looking for a free-kick, the referee waved play on. Reid seized possession and drove a low shot on target, but goalkeeper Jared Thompson produced a strong save to keep the scores level.

It looked as though the sides would go in at the break goalless, but Gloucester struck late in the half. Once again breaking down the Terras’ right, the ball was pulled across the six-yard box and Harry Pinchard was on hand to finish and give the hosts the lead.

Weymouth responded well after the interval, forcing four corners in the opening five minutes as they pushed Gloucester back. Their pressure paid off when Reid was brought down in the penalty area following a sharp turn. Brandon Goodship kept his composure after a lengthy delay, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores.

Chances were limited for much of the second half, but Gloucester regained the lead in the 88th minute. A superb cross from Elis Watts flashed across the six-yard box, evading everyone and sneaking inside the far post beyond the outstretched Max Evans.

The hosts added a third in stoppage time following a scramble in the penalty area, with King Baidoo applying the finishing touch to seal the result.

Attendance: 1,222.

Reporter: Ben Ashelford