Weymouth edged a five-goal FA Trophy thriller at the Bob Lucas Stadium, beating Sholing FC 3-2 with a late winner to book their place in the next round. The hosts built a two-goal lead, were pegged back to 2-2, and then found the decisive goal in the closing stages.

Match overview

Weymouth made a fast start and opened the scoring through Brandon Goodship, who found space in the box and finished with composure. The lead was doubled before half-time when Tom Bearwish converted after a good spell of pressure, and at that point the hosts looked in control.

Sholing FC responded strongly after the break. Dan Mason pulled one back with a well-taken goal, and the visitors then equalised through Lee Wort, whose persistence in the box paid off. Suddenly, Weymouth were under pressure and the tie looked like it might slip away.

The hosts regrouped, pushed higher up the pitch and found the winner on 88 minutes. Charlie Rowan arrived at the back post to meet a deep cross and stabbed the ball home, sending the home support into celebration. Sholing had one final chance in stoppage time, but Weymouth held on.

Key moments

• 14' — Brandon Goodship opens the scoring for Weymouth with a composed finish.
• 38' — Tom Bearwish doubles the lead after a sustained spell of home pressure.
• 57' — Dan Mason pulls one back for Sholing FC.
• 74' — Lee Wort equalises for the visitors.
• 88' — Charlie Rowan scores the late winner for Weymouth.

Tactical story

Weymouth's width caused Sholing problems in the first half, with good service from the flanks creating both early goals. Sholing adapted after the break, pressing higher and using set pieces to build momentum. The visitors' comeback was built on direct play and second balls, but Weymouth's response — pushing their full-backs forward again and attacking the back post — produced the decisive moment.

Standout performers

Goodship was at the heart of Weymouth's best attacking play, while Rowan's late arrival in the box proved decisive. Sholing's Mason and Wort deserve credit for dragging their side back into the tie, but the visitors were left to rue a slow start.

What it means

Weymouth advance after a test of character as much as quality. For Sholing FC, the comeback showed spirit, but the exit is a tough one to take after fighting back to 2-2. Weymouth will now look to carry the momentum into the next round and their league campaign.