Dover Athletic stormed to an emphatic 5-1 victory over Dartford in front of 1,018 fans at The Megger Community Stadium, as they moved to second place in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
From the first whistle, Dover looked sharp, with early chances from Luke Baptiste and Ruben Soares-Junior giving a taste of what was to come. Dartford’s defence, which had only conceded three goals in the league before this match, looked shaky from the outset, and it wasn’t long before the cracks showed.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when a goalkeeping blunder by Dartford’s Matt Kerbey gifted Soares-Junior the opening goal. Kerbey spilled a cross, and Soares-Junior, quick to react, tapped home from close range to give Dover a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes later, Dover capitalised on another defensive error from Dartford, with George Wilkinson doubling the lead. Matthews, after winning the ball in midfield, combined well with Soares-Junior who passed to Wilkinson before slotting the ball into the net.
Dover’s pressure was relentless, and in the 43rd minute, a poorly handled free kick by Kerbey led to Baptiste poking in the rebound, making it 3-0 just before half-time.
The second half saw more of the same from Dover. In the 50th minute, Alfie Matthews added a fourth goal with a brilliantly struck free kick that left Kerbey with no chance. Dartford’s afternoon went from bad to worse despite a consolation goal from Jeremiah Pinder in the 56th minute, as Dover continued to dominate proceedings.
Ruben Soares-Junior completed the rout with his second of the game in the 82nd minute, neatly finishing after a well-placed cross from Baptiste.
Despite making several substitutions, Dartford struggled to gain any foothold in the match. Dover, on the other hand, maintained control even as manager Jake Leberl rotated his squad late on. The introduction of players like Henry Young, Tamas Amgbaduba, and Lindell Stewart kept the pressure on Dartford, ensuring there would be no comeback.
This comprehensive win not only boosts Dover’s position in the league but also marks their first competitive victory over a Kent rival since January 2020. Dover’s attacking prowess was on full display as they took their tally to 24 goals in just six league games.
Dover Athletic – 5
Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (25′)
George WILKINSON (27′)
Luke BAPTISTE (43′)
Alfie MATTHEWS (50′)
Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (82′)
Dartford – 1
Jeremiah Pinder (56′)
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,018
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Peter Conn
Venue: Megger Community Stadium
Dover: Walker, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Tennent, Cocoracchio, Baptiste (Stewart 83mins), Matthews (Young 67mins), Nijaj (Amgbaduba 76mins), Soares-Junior (Silcott-Brown 85mins), Pont (Gyebi 90mins), Wilkinson.
Dartford: Kerbey, Odaudu, Hill, Dsane, Jones, Olopade (Carruthers 79mins), Box, Pinder, Okoye, Williams, Christian-Law (Allen 59mins). Subs not used: Marsden, Whitefield, Apat.