PLAY-OFF hopefuls Dover got revenge for Weston’s win on their ground in February by inflicting Weston’s biggest home defeat of the season.

WESTON-S-MARE 1

DOVER ATHLETIC 4

PLAY-OFF hopefuls Dover got revenge for Weston’s win on their ground in February by inflicting Weston’s biggest home defeat of the season.

The Seagulls gave a lack-lustre performance and although they came close a couple of times, they failed to seriously trouble the visitors.

Play was fairly even early on, with neither side dominating until the 20th minute when Dover forced their first corner and from skipper Barry Cogan’s flag kick, Donovan Simmonds opened the scoring with a bullet header from six yards.

As Weston tried to get into the game, Ben Kirk forced a diving save from keeper Ross Flitney at the expense of a corner and on 30 minutes, Marcus Duharty, in the absence of flu victim Sahr Kabba, beat Matt Fish on the left and his cross into the six-yard box was met by Nat Pepperell who fired wide with Flitney stranded.

On the stroke of half time, Dover struck again when good work by Simmons and Nathan Ashton was finished by Adam Birchall with an easy tap-in for his 42nd goal of the season.

Two minutes into the second half, Dover’s Jon Main, a loan signing from AFC Wimbledon, got his first goal for the club, thanks to a neat move involving Ashton and Harry Baker and three minutes later Main struck again from Birchall’s pass.

The home goal had a let-off on 63 minutes when Birchall burst through but his shot came off the inside of a post, back to Birchall only a yard out but he scuffed his shot and eventually Lloyd Irish claimed the ball. Minutes later, Birchall again got through, but this time Irish blocked the shot.

Weston briefly got into the game with Duharty going close on 75 minutes when his shot was turned over the bar by Flitney and six minutes later, Dayle Grubb got a consolation with a shot that burst under the corner of the net. At first referee Andy Newell signalled a goal kick, but after consulting with his assistant, a goal was given.

Near the end, Irish made another good save to deny substitute Elliot Charles.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Weston, Grubb (71). Dover, Simmons (21), Birchall (45), Main (47, 50).

Shots on target: Weston 3, Dover 8.

Shots off target: Weston 5, Dover 6.

Corners: Weston 5, Dover 7.

Offsides: Weston 5, Dover 2.

Free kicks conceded: Weston 9, Dover 6.

Referee: Andy Newell (Yate). Good game, allowed play to flow.

Bookings: Dover, Cogan.

Attendance: 244.

Weston squad: Irish, Price, Slocombe, J Laird, Rand, Porter (Trowbridge 57), Ingram, Kirk, Duharty (C Laird 80), Grubb, Pepperell (Diallo 57). Subs (not used): Martin, Gilbert.

On Satuday, Weston make the long trip to Lewes and will be looking to revenge to 3-0 defeat inflicted by the Sussex club back in November.

The usual team coach will depart at 9.30am.