Weston-super-Mare are keeping their National League South play-off ambitions very much alive after a crucial 3-1 triumph at Ebbsfleet on Saturday, boosting their position just outside the play-off places with games in hand on all competing teams above them.
The match began in Ebbsfleet’s favour as Charlie Seaman put the home side ahead midway through the first half. They held this lead until the 66th minute when Weston’s loanee Luke Spokes from Kidderminster equalised. Just six minutes later, Ollie Dewsbury, another loan signing from Bristol Rovers, gave the visitors the lead. The win was sealed in the final stages when Cheltenham loan player Tommy Backwell scored his side’s third goal eight minutes from time, ensuring the Seagulls left with full points.
Elsewhere in the National League South, survival battles intensified. Chippenham recorded their fourth win in five games, thrashing Eastbourne 5-2 at Hardenhuish Park to boost hopes of avoiding relegation. Despite Eastbourne’s Quevin Castro pulling one back just before half-time, Chippenham dominated the second half with goals from Jake Evans, Luke Haines, and Anointed Chukwu. Although Max Mullins scored a late consolation for Eastbourne, Chippenham remain in the relegation zone but are only two points from safety, contrasting with Bath City who suffered a 2-1 defeat at Tonbridge Angels. Bath’s Scott Wilson initially gave them the lead, but Tonbridge turned it around through Bailey Akehurst and Bunmi Babajide.
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Salisbury strengthened their grip outside the relegation zone, securing a 2-0 victory over second-bottom Enfield. Noah Coppin converted a first-half penalty, followed by a decisive goal from Nathan Odokonyero shortly after the hour mark, lifting Salisbury eight points clear of danger.
Over in the National League North, Hereford’s survival hopes took another hit with a 3-1 defeat at Macclesfield. Luke Duffy’s quick double in the second half put the home side in control. George Munday managed a reply for Hereford, but Isaac Buckley-Ricketts’ late goal extinguished any comeback hopes.