Brad Ash’s last-gasp equaliser saw Weston-super-Mare end a six-game losing streak as the Seagulls drew 2-2 with Torquay United in front of a huge crowd at the Woodspring Stadium on Tuesday.
More than 1,700 supporters – mostly Torquay fans – packed into the Woodspring Stadium for an incident-packed match on and off the pitch in the National League South.
Pockets of crowd trouble and pitch invasions marred an otherwise electric encounter, with objects reportedly thrown at Weston keeper Luke Purnell by travelling supporters, and a wheelie bin was lobbed onto the pitch in the direction of Ash when he scored a stunning leveller.
The unsavoury scenes prompted Weston’s officials to call the police, who lined the pitch in the closing stages and are now investigating match footage.
On the pitch, Weston took the lead on 34 minutes through Matt Bower’s fierce volley, but Marc McGregor’s side – still marooned at the bottom of the division – threw away the lead as Saikou Janneh and Opi Edwards scored in the 50th and 81st minute respectively to put Gary Johnson’s side on course for victory.
But late drama ensued, with Weston missing a string of late chances before winning a penalty after Jamie Lucas’ goal-bound strike was handled en route by Samir Nabi, who was sent off.
Lucas’ tame spot kick was saved by the excellent Shaun McDonald, but from the resulting corner Ash gathered a loose ball and beat several men before lashing into the roof of the net from 12 yards to send the home supporters wild with two minutes to play.
McGregor believes his side deserved more for their efforts.
He said: “It was a good point, but I’m disappointed we didn’t take all three.
“Their keeper has made three outstanding saves. Without him we come away with three points.
“The lads gave everything, and we can’t accept any standard apart from the one they set tonight. I expect exactly the same effort away at Hungerford on Saturday.
“I’m also really pleased with the way our supporters conducted themselves. They are a real credit to the club.”
Next up for the Seagulls is the vital clash with fellow strugglers Hungerford at Bulpit Lane on Saturday, and Weston in desperate need to secure a first league win.
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