Dover Athletic progress into the semi-finals of the Kent Senior Cup with a controlled 2-0 victory over Deal Town at The Megger Community Stadium. Goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and George Nikaj in each half secured the win, as the Whites fended off a spirited performance from their local rivals.
The game began with promise for Dover, who fashioned the first real chance in the fifth minute when Nikaj bent a shot over the bar. Deal Town, pressed high and created a nervy moment in the Dover box, but the hosts cleared their lines effectively.
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute, with Ruben Soares-Junior showcasing his quality. The on-the-night captain latched onto a chance and fired a precise finish past Adam Molloy into the bottom corner, giving the home side the lead.
Deal Town responded well and came close to leveling before the break. Former Dover player Archie Hatcher nearly converted a clever free-kick routine, but Dover’s goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo was equal to the task, keeping the visitors at bay.
Dover emerged for the second half determined to build on their advantage, but Deal continued to press, with Eniye Amgbaduba testing the defence early on. A clash between Boakye-Sarfo and a Deal attacker briefly halted the game, but Dover regained control.
The decisive second goal arrived in the 63rd minute. Soares-Junior turned provider with a smart assist for George Nikaj, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to double Dover’s lead. From that point on, the Whites managed the game expertly, limiting Deal’s chances and dictating the tempo.
Deal’s best opportunity to pull one back came in the 77th minute when a dangerous ball across the box narrowly evaded their attacker at the back post. Boakye-Sarfo ensured his clean sheet stayed intact with a superb save in the 85th minute, denying the visitors any lifeline.
Dover’s rotated side impressed against our local rivals and extend their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions. Academy graduate Jake McCarthy also featured late on. The Whites now turn their attention to the semi-finals but are back in league action against Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.
Kent Senior Cup Quarter Final
Attendance: 1,219
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Kirsty Dowle
Dover Athletic: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 8. Alfie Matthews, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior (C), 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo SUBS: 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 7. Luke Baptiste, 23. George Wilkinson, 26. Jacob Mensah, 30. Jake McCarthy.
Deal Town: 1. Adam Molloy, 2. Jack Paxman, 3. Jack Penny, 7. Tom Chapman, 8. Macca Murray (C), 10. Ben Chapman, 15. Alex Green, 17. Ash Miller, 18. Archie Hatcher, 19. Jamie Kennedy, 20. Josh Vincent SUBS: 4. Alfie Foster, 6. Morgan Page, 12. Zak Hammond, 14. Alex Smith, 16. Joe Reeves.