Weston-super-Mare can clinch a coveted place in the National League South play-offs with a win at home against Dorking Wanderers next Saturday. This opportunity follows a hard-fought goalless draw against Dagenham & Redbridge.
The race for the play-offs remains fiercely competitive, with just two points separating third-placed Dorking from eighth-placed Maidenhead. Weston currently hold the last play-off position, sitting one point and one place above Maidenhead. Anything less than a victory against Dorking, who were title contenders mere weeks ago, will likely see Weston miss out on the post-season.
In the match at Dagenham & Redbridge, Weston’s Luke Spokes came close to scoring early on, hitting the post at eight minutes and narrowly missing with another shot shortly after. Dagenham striker Kien Connolly was twice denied by Weston’s goalkeeper Max Harris before halftime, as the half ended scoreless.
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Both teams created chances after the break. Aramide Oteh of Dagenham curled a shot just over, while Weston’s Sam Avery tested goalkeeper Ben Nightingale. Scot Bennett nearly broke the deadlock with a header from Luke Coulson’s corner, cleared off the line by the hosts.
Dagenham dominated possession and struck the framework of the goal twice, but Weston’s goalkeeper Charlie Binns made several key saves to preserve the draw.
Meanwhile, in a separate contest, Bath secured their first away league win since November by defeating Dorking Wanderers 3-1. Early chances saw Bath’s Scott Wilson thwarted by goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes, yet Josh Laqeretabua and Matt Bowman combined effectively to put Bath ahead. Despite Dorking’s relentless pressure and a goal from Brennan Camp, Bath responded with two late goals from Alex Fisher and Donovan Wilson, securing their victory and adding drama to the upcoming play-off scenarios.
With the final day looming, Weston-super-Mare’s win at home is essential to maintain their play-off aspirations amid a tightly packed table.