Dover Athletic delivered a composed performance at the Len Salmon Stadium, clinching all three points with a 2-0 victory over Bowers & Pitsea. Goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Luke Baptiste ensured the Whites maintained their momentum at the top of the Isthmian Premier Division table as they look ahead to Tuesday’s clash against Lewes.
The game started cautiously, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Ruben Soares-Junior showed early intent in the 9th minute, firing a speculative long-range effort just wide. Dover gradually grew into the game, and their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute. A well-executed free kick from George Wilkinson was expertly met by Soares-Junior at the far post, giving the visitors the lead.
Despite moments of pressure from the home side, Dover maintained control for the remainder of the first half, nearly doubling their lead before the break when Baptiste’s strike was safely gathered by Bowers’ goalkeeper Rhys Byrne.
The second half saw Bowers & Pitsea push for an equaliser, with their best opportunity coming in the 65th minute when a close-range effort was narrowly missed at the near post. However, Dover’s defence, marshaled by captain Mitch Walker, remained resolute.
Dover capitalised on Bowers’ frustration in the 75th minute. Francis Mampolo showcased dazzling footwork on the edge of the box before unleashing a shot that Byrne could only parry. Baptiste reacted quickest to the rebound, calmly controlling the ball before slotting it into the net to double the Whites’ advantage.
Late substitutions from both sides failed to alter the dynamic of the game, as Dover managed the closing stages to secure a clean sheet and an important victory.
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 251
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Craig Charles
Venue: Len Salmon Stadium
Bowers & Pitsea: 1. Rhys Byrne, 2. Joe Halsey, 3. Archie Johnson, 5. Dexter Peter, 9. Alex Teniola, 11. Cameron Andrews, 12. Evans Kouassi, 14. Geofrey Okonkwo, 16. Alfie Evans, 18. Malaki Toussaint, 20. TQ Addy (C) SUBS: 6. Yannis Ambroisine, 10. Nick Dembele, 15. Luke Reeve, 17. Samir Ali, 19. Malakai Hyman.
Dover Athletic: 1. Mitch Walker (C), 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 16. Harrison Pont, 23. George Wilkinson, 24. Francis Mampolo, 26. Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 5. Joe Tennent, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young.