Dover Athletic emerged victorious in a tightly contested Isthmian Premier League derby at Cheriton Road, with Luke Baptiste’s 69th-minute goal securing a crucial three points. The win, Dover’s fifth straight in the league, saw them hold onto a four-point lead at the top, continuing their impressive run under Jake Leberl.
The opening exchanges were tense, with few clear chances and both teams battling hard in midfield. Folkestone, playing in front of a season-high crowd of 2,906, created their best chances from set-pieces, with defender Marvel Ekpiteta repeatedly troubling Dover’s defence. Despite this, the first half ended goalless, with Baptiste’s early chance for Dover – a lofted effort that clipped the crossbar – as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock.
Early in the second half, Dover keeper Mitch Walker was called into action to deny Tom Derry, producing a near-post save. Walker’s composure proved invaluable throughout, particularly as Folkestone’s attacks grew in frequency. However, the game’s dynamic changed at the hour mark when Folkestone’s Daniel Smith saw red for a heavy tackle on Alfie Matthews, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
With a numerical advantage, Dover seized control. The breakthrough came in the 69th minute after a well-executed short-corner routine. George Nikaj’s skillful play on the edge of the box allowed him to deliver a pinpoint cross, which Baptiste converting with a low shot into the bottom corner, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.
In response, Invicta manager Andy Drury introduced Joe Turner, hoping to add a spark to his side’s attack. Dean Rance came closest to leveling for Folkestone, his drilled shot narrowly missing the target. As Folkestone pressed for an equaliser, Dover held firm, with Walker denying several late efforts, including a close-range attempt by Turner in stoppage time. Ekpiteta’s long-range volley in the final moments narrowly missed, sealing the narrow win for the visitors.
Dover now look ahead to another local clash at Chatham on Saturday.
Folkestone Invicta: Henly, Hoyte, Morgan (Mascoll 94mins), Gayle (Odeniran 79mins), Ekpiteta, Kassarate, Rance (Blackman 81mins), Jebb, Derry, Smith, Da Costa (Turner 70mins). Sub not used: Ebuzoeme.
Dover Athletic: Walker, T.Amgbaduba, Sesay, Tennent (Gyebi 99mins), Cocoracchio, Baptiste (Mampolo 81mins), Matthews (Mensah 95mins), Nikaj (E.Amgbaduba 95mins), Soares-Junior, Pont, Wilkinson (Young 103mins).
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,906
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Alcaline Stadium