A radically changed and extremely youthful Town side were beaten 3-0 by Weston-super-Mare in the 2nd Round of the Somerset Premier Cup at the Viridor Stadium yesterday evening (21st November).
Fielding four debutants and only three recognised first teamers, the Peacocks put up a spirited showing against their more experienced visitors and were still in the game at the break after a goalless first half in which Weston missed several opportunities, most notably when Jake Reid directed over from close range. Ben Palmer forced Liam Kingston to turn his shot aside when play resumed before the visitors scored three in six minutes to seal their passage.
Jason Pope opened the scoring on 52 minutes when his shot from a narrow angle was deflected in and Jake Reid then set up Irnti Rapai to slot home a second three minutes later. Jarrad Welch converted Pope’s cross on 58 minutes to add another and despite further attacks from Weston there were no more goals.
Reaction | Man of the Match Ben Palmer commented: “Despite the result there were positives to take from the game. It was an opportunity to give several youngsters the chance to make their debuts in a side that included seven players under 20. There were limited chances for either team in the first half, we worked hard and competed with Weston, deservedly going in level at the break. However their experience showed in the second half and as we tired, opportunities arose and were clinically taken.”