Weston-super-Mare’s hopes of securing a National League South play-off spot took a hit on Good Friday with a 3-0 defeat against Torquay United at the packed Optima Stadium, where 2,662 fans witnessed the match.
Following the loss, Weston dropped to 11th place but remain just four points adrift of fourth-placed Torquay United. With five matches remaining, beginning with a trip to Salisbury on Monday, Weston still have a chance to fight for a coveted play-off position.
The game was set early when Matt Worthington scored a stunning 15th-minute goal, curling the ball with the outside of his boot from the edge of the penalty area to give Torquay the lead.
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Weston responded strongly, with Jacob Jagger-Cane and Ollie Dewsbury both coming close to leveling the score. However, late goals from Louis Dennis in the 83rd and 86th minutes sealed the victory for Torquay.
Despite the scoreline, Weston’s goalkeeper Charlie Binns was a standout performer, making a series of impressive saves. He started strong in the fourth minute, diving to push a deflected cross behind for a corner and continued to frustrate Torquay’s attackers throughout the match.
Torquay started on the front foot, with early efforts from Anointed Chukwu and Olly Mehew testing Binns. Meanwhile, Weston grew into the game during the last 30 minutes of the first half, with Jaiden Putman and Joe Raynes providing a spark.
The second half saw a more balanced contest, although Torquay remained the greater threat going forward. Weston’s penalty appeals were waved away when Caine Bradbury went down under a challenge from Putman, and goalie battles between Binns and Torquay’s Will Henry dominated the period.
Both teams, fighting to avoid relegation, pushed hard but could not find a breakthrough. Torquay eventually capitalized late, sending their home fans into celebration as they extended their lead.
Weston now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures with the mission to claw back points and keep their play-off aspirations alive.