Once again defensive errors cost United dearly as Weston-super-Mare capitalised on both to take maximum points home from the SKYex is n a summery August afternoon leaving United still searching for a first win of the season.

The visitors couldn't have asked for a better start, Ravan Constable in the United goal saved an early shot from a tight angle from Joel Randall and then minutes later the United stopper received a tight back pass from skipper Ismail Yakubu, his poor first touch led to his rushed clearance which Randall blocked straight back into the United net to gift Weston the lead in just the eleventh minute.

United started to push forwards after this calamity, Ogo Obi had a shot from the edge of the box blocked back to him by a defender, the striker set the ball aside to Lyle Della-Verde who floated the ball to Elliot Benyon at the far post, his volley flew across goal and wide of the far post.

Della-Verde then went close from 20 yards out after good work by Dan Spence created the opening, the same player again went close two minutes later, this time the creator was James Clark.

Five minutes from the break, Della-Verde cut my n from the right only to see his curling effort drift the wrong side of the upright. The final effort of the half came from the visitors as Jarrad Welch fired in a 35 yard free-kick that was held by Constable.

United came out quickly after the break and were soon level. Clark hit a 25 yard free-kick that saw 'keeper Luke Purnell flat footed only for the ball to go inches wide. The leveller was only a minute away though as Della-Verde intercepted a poor midfield pass and threaded the ball perfectly through to Benyon, the striker rounding Purnell before sliding the ball home for his first of the campaign (below right).

Within a minute or two United almost had another. Spence played a quick free-kick to Obi who crossed from the left, the ball was deflected to Clark who not only saw his initial effort cleared off the line but his follow up effort too.

The visitors broke through on 56 minutes as Ben Whitehead raced into the box, his low effort being partially blocked by Constable with Yakubu doing the tidying up. A minute later though another defensive error saw Keano Robinson and Taofiq Olomowewe leave a bouncing ball to each other, the result being Whitehead nipping in and advancing to the edge of the box before curling the ball past Constable into the far corner.

United continued to push for a second. Obi exchanged passes with Benyon, the former's shot deflecting against the post before coming back to Clark who fired over from six yards out.

Welch soon after fired over after good work on the right from Weston substitute Isaac Pearce before a final flurry came in the final six minutes. The first effort came from the home side, Spence's cross found Benyon beyond the far post, his overhead return deflected goalwards only to be grabbed on the line at the second attempt by Purnell.

Sam Hendy headed wide at the far post for the visitors while for United Robinson played the ball inside to Obi who saw his low shot held by Purnell.

The final chance also fell to the home side, Dylan Switters played the ball wide to Obi, he beat off two challenges before picking out Della-Verde, the midfielder firing straight into Purnell's arms and the game was lost.

 

Report by Kevin Watts.

Photos by Montimagemedia ©.

United Man of the Match: Lyle Della-Verde.

Print the Teamsheet: Here.

Alex Byrne