Weston-super-Mare secured their place in the FA Cup first-round draw for the second consecutive season after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Needham Market in the fourth qualifying round at the Optima Stadium. The National League South side now hopes for a South West opponent in the upcoming draw.
Last season, the Seagulls challenged Bristol Rovers before succumbing 3-1 at the Memorial Stadium in the first round. Manager Scott Rogers expressed his desire for a familiar, local fixture this time around: “Just one not too far away, so our supporters don’t have to travel hours on end. Anyone at home would be brilliant, and if we are away, Newport, Bristol Rovers, Exeter City, someone like that would be fantastic.”
The match against Needham Market saw Weston largely in control, despite limited goal-scoring chances in the first half. Louis Britton came close early on, and goalkeeper Max Harris thwarted several efforts, including a 25-yard strike from Ben Hunter. The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Luke Coulson’s free-kick was cleared back to him, creating confusion in the Needham Market box, allowing Britton to poke the ball home from close range.
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Weston maintained pressure with Britton having a shot saved and Sam Pearson missing narrowly. Needham Market’s challenge was weakened late on when Jackson Nsofor was sent off after a second yellow card. Speaking after the match, Rogers said, “I’m over the moon with the result. If somebody had said to me this morning would you take a 1-0, a dull 1-0, I’d have snapped their hand off. We controlled the game well and kept a clean sheet, which is paramount.”
With confidence high, Weston-super-Mare now looks forward to the first-round draw, hoping for a fixture that keeps travel manageable while providing a competitive challenge for the fans and players alike.