Weston boss Marc McGregor believes his side showed ‘great character’ to come from behind to defeat Hemel Hempstead Town at the Woodspring Stadium on the final day of the National League South season.
The Seagulls recovered from a calamitous own goal to win 2-1 against the Hertfordshire promotion hopefuls.
The three points secured a 12-place finish for McGregor in his debut season as Weston boss – the club’s best finish for four years.
He said: “It was a very disappointing goal to concede. Like against Truro, it was from a corner and that is not something we will accept next year. Our young lads have got to learn quickly.
“But over the 90 minutes, I thought we were excellent. It could have been four or five in the end with the chances we created, which is great because they are a very good side.
“Every game we try to win, that is the attitude of me and the team. We showed great character to come from behind and win.”
The playoff-bound visitors started on the front foot, and Davis Moyo should have punished a poor error from Jason Pope on 13 minutes. The striker stole the ball 18 yards out, but could only find the side netting when one-on-one with Luke Purnell.
But Hemel’s pressure paid off shortly after – thanks in most part to some abject defending.
Greenslade glanced a header into his own net from Jordan Parkes’ corner on 34 minutes, as the Seagulls set-piece woes continued.
But Welch, who is fast becoming Weston’s attacking lynchpin after Dayle Grubb’s departure, hit back with a thumping strike six minutes later. The Welshman smashed an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from 20 yards.
Weston bossed proceedings after the break, and took the lead on 55 minutes.
A mazy run from Pope unlocked the Tudor’s backline, and his cross found Cane, who beat Lawrie Walker with a deflected shot.
Hemel went in search of an equaliser, but Purnell made a string of excellent saves to maintain the lead.
On balance the Seagulls were worthy of the points, and the result will exacerbate their frustrations after their chase for the top seven was thrown away in the final stretch of the campaign.
The Seagulls face Paulton Rovers in the final of the Somerset Cup on Tuesday. Kick off is at 7.45pm at Frome Town’s Badgers Hill.
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