Weston-super-Mare are poised to secure a National League South play-off spot with a crucial home game against Dorking Wanderers next Saturday. Following a goalless draw at Dagenham & Redbridge, the competition for the play-off places has intensified, with just two points separating third-placed Dorking and eighth-placed Maidenhead.
Currently, Weston hold the final play-off position, sitting one point and one place above Maidenhead. They know that anything less than a victory against Dorking, who were title contenders just weeks ago, is unlikely to see them progress into the play-offs.
At Dagenham & Redbridge, Weston created early chances with Luke Spokes hitting the post in the eighth minute and having another shot narrowly miss shortly after. Dagenham striker Kien Connolly was thwarted multiple times by Weston keeper Max Harris, but neither side could break the deadlock in the first half.
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The second half saw continued pressure from Dagenham, with Aramide Oteh firing just over and Sam Avery’s shot saved by Dagenham’s goalkeeper Ben Nightingale. Scot Bennett came close to scoring for Weston with a header from Luke Coulson’s corner, only for it to be cleared off the line. Despite dominating possession and hitting the goal frame twice, Dagenham’s efforts were kept at bay by Charlie Binns in goal.
Meanwhile, in another key fixture, Bath City secured a vital away league win against Dorking Wanderers. Scott Wilson had an early chance blocked, but Bath took the lead through Matt Bowman’s deft finish after a quick one-two with Josh Laqeretabua. Dorking pressed hard and hit the crossbar through Harry Pinchard, and a corner led to Brennan Camp equalizing. However, Alex Fisher restored Bath’s lead before Donovan Wilson added a third late goal, marking Bath’s first league away win since November.
With the play-off race tightly contested, Weston’s fate now rests on their final match against Dorking, where a win will guarantee their spot in the National League South play-offs.