Dover Athletic brought an end to Weston-super-Mare’s unbeaten home record with a hard-earned 2–1 win at The Optima Stadium, decided by a late goal from Luca Cocoracchio.

Weston, who started the day in second place, were on the front foot during the opening exchanges. They pressed Dover high and forced mistakes, with Walker required early to react quickly and claim a loose ball inside his area after Charles-Cook was dispossessed.

Dover created little in the final third during the first half, though Nikaj met a corner in the 9th minute without troubling the goalkeeper. Matthews also saw a shot well blocked from a short set-piece routine shortly after.

Most of the action continued to come in front of Walker’s goal. Wilson and Coulson combined well out wide for Weston, and just before half-time Walker made two important close-range saves to keep the score level — first from Wilson after a low pull-back, then after the follow-up effort was deflected wide.

The wet surface made sustained possession difficult for both sides, and the half closed with the match goalless and still waiting for its first real moment of quality.

The contest shifted after the break. Mampolo pressed aggressively and almost capitalised on a poor back-pass on 53 minutes, only for Harris to block, but Dover took the lead two minutes later. A deep free-kick delivered by Matthews from the right was directed into a dangerous area, where a Weston player diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper under pressure.

Weston responded well and equalised in the 65th minute. Dover failed to deal with a cross to the back post, and when the ball dropped loose 12 yards out, Wilson was well placed to steer a low finish beyond Walker.

The home side maintained momentum, forcing Dover back and increasing the tempo of their play. A goal was ruled out for offside in the 78th minute, and Walker continued to manage his area confidently as Weston pushed for a second. Dover introduced substitutions to provide fresh legs in midfield and attack, looking to relieve some pressure and regain structure.

Despite most of the play heading toward the Dover goal, the visitors continued to commit players forward when possible. As eight additional minutes were shown, Dover won a corner down the left. The delivery caused a scramble inside the six-yard box and Luca Cocoracchio reacted first to send the ball over the line, restoring the lead with just seconds remaining of normal time.

Weston tried to generate one final spell of pressure, but Dover saw out the closing minutes effectively to complete the win.

The result gives Dover back-to-back league victories and hands Weston their first home defeat of the campaign, with the Whites turning their attention to Slough Town at Crabble next Saturday.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 28 Odelusi, 8 Matthews, 10 Nikaj, 14 Soares-Junior, 24 Mampolo
Subs: Baptiste, Onu, Beadle, Wilkinson, Gurung, Marjoram, Gillmore

Weston-super-Mare:
1 Harris, 2 Smith, 3 Bernard, 5 Wood, 6 Avery, 7 Coulson, 8 Dodd, 11 Wilson, 12 Dawes, 15 Lewis (C), 16 Sercombe
Subs: Britton, King, Glover (GK), Hicks, Johnson, Oliver