Gravesend & N 1 Weymouth 3

GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Liam Daish described Tuesday’s Nationwide Conference defeat against Weymouth as "a kick in the teeth".

The Fleet battered the visitors' defence for long periods at Stonebridge Road, but ended up losing a match that should have been wrapped up in the opening half.

"I can’t fault the lads," said Daish. "They were different class and every one of them contributed.

"I thought the first half was one of our best 45 minutes of the season as we controlled the game. Right until the end they were brave on the ball, and still showed quality, but sometimes football kicks you in the teeth."

Fleet went ahead in the 35th minute when Charlie MacDonald created room for himself to cross, and Luke Moore was there to convert from close range.

As Gravesend continued their assault on Weymouth’s goal after the break the visitors broke free and, with 52 minutes on the clock, substitute Coutts had netted.

It was deja-vu 11 minutes later when another counter-attack led to Coutts scoring his second.

Gravesend’s hopes of salvaging something from the game ended two minutes from time when James netted from the spot, after Mark Ricketts had brought down Stuart Beavon in the box.

The Fleet have a blank Saturday, but take to the road on Tuesday night when they face a trip to Stafford.

Gravesend: Cronin, Ricketts, Opinel, Quinn (Ledgister 78mins), Debolla, R Smith, Slatter, Moore (Sodje 81mins), Long, MacDonald, Keeling. Subs Not Used: Varney, Mott, J Smith. Attendance: 1,098.