Weston-super-Mare AFC lost 4-3 to Worthing at The Optima this weekend with the visitors completing a second-half comeback that culminated in a 96th minute penalty.

The defensive collapse was unlike this Weston squad and led manager Scott Bartlett to question whether his team “lacked a bit of personality” during the game.

The Seagulls went 3-0 up within 40 minutes of kick off, courtesy of an opener from captain Emlyn Lewis and a brace for summer signing Luke Coulson but would go on to concede four second half goals.

Despite a dominant first half performance that demonstrated their ability to press high and play free flowing Weston’s second half showing lacked energy and imagination, particularly after conceding their first goal.

It was this lack of energy that invited Worthing's players to attack and brought on the pressure that ultimately saw Weston lose out on all three points.

After the loss Bartlett said: “Overriding emotions are obviously disappointment. I’d have been disappointed at 3-3 so to lose it in the pretty much the last kick of the game hurts but that’s football.

“We got what we deserved in the end, it’s one of those that you just can’t hide your disappointment from.

“It was chalk and cheese really between the second half and first half. I thought first half we were good; the game plan was excellent. Second half we did what you can’t do against a good team. We sat off, made too many fouls, and let them back in the game.

“We lacked a little bit of depth on the bench today I would say while one or two players still coming back and we’ll bringing in three players next week hopefully that’ll add to the team and the group.

“But there’s no other option than to take it on the chin and it’s a hard one because it’s embarrassing going 3-0 up and losing 4-3, there’s no hiding from it.

“We showed some of our qualities first half, second half we fell way short, and we know that that’s not acceptable.

Assistant Manager Scott Rogers also added: “For them to break away to get a penalty in the last minute was a tough one to take, and all the lads are disappointed, but we have got to bounce back, which we will. 

“We’ve got two nights of training this week, and we’ll be working on things. We’ve got a tough match on Saturday at Enfield, but we’ll be ready for it, and we’ll be looking forward to it.”

The Seagulls now travel to Enfield on Saturday August 17th, kick-off 3:00pm, to try and record their first win of the 2024/25 season.