Weston-super-Mare’s remarkable FA Cup journey concluded with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Grimsby Town in a pulsating third-round tie. Despite their best efforts, the National League South side fell just short of reaching the fourth round, where Grimsby will continue their cup quest.
Grimsby’s goals came from Charles Vernam, Jaze Kabia, and Kieran Green, whose late flick off a corner proved decisive. For Weston, Luke Coulson’s deflected free kick and Louis Britton’s instinctive finish kept the game alive until the dying moments.
The match featured end-to-end action, beginning with Weston’s Luke Spokes testing the Grimsby defense early, followed by a close miss from midfielder Jamie Walker. Grimsby threatened on the counterattack, with Jude Soonsup-Bell’s well-timed run narrowly stopped by Weston’s Emlyn Lewis.
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Weston’s Charlie Cummins showcased skillful wing play in the first half, delivering dangerous crosses and creating chances, though the Mariners struggled to convert until Vernam’s curling strike in the 40th minute put Grimsby ahead.
Early in the second half, Coulson’s deflected free kick leveled the score, giving Weston fresh hope. Grimsby had their chances too, with Tyrell Warren’s near-post header and subsequent dangerous crosses testing the Weston defense, but the Seagulls battled back through Britton’s well-placed equalizer.
In a dramatic finale, Grimsby’s Staunton sent in a corner that Green headed home in the 86th minute, sealing a hard-fought victory. Weston’s players received praise for their spirited performance in front of a passionate crowd of 4,851.
The fourth-round draw awaits Grimsby on January 12, with matches broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Weston-super-Mare: Harris, Smith, Bernard (Robesten 70), Avery (Wilson 89), Coulson, Britton, Dawes (Dewsbury 62), Pope, Lewis, Spokes (Ellison 89), Cummings (Cane 89). Subs not used: Glover, Hicks, Martin, Bak.
Grimsby Town: Smith, Lavelle, Walker (Green 59), Khouri, Soonsup-Bell (Kabia 59), Staunton, McJannet, Burns, McEachran (Turi 83), Warren (Rodgers 89), Vernam (Sellars-Fleming 83). Subs not used: Auton, Amaluzor, Tharme, Odour.
Referee: Martin Coy.
Attendance: 4,851.