Dover Athletic suffered a narrow defeat at home to Billericay Town in a hard-fought contest, with a first-half free-kick from Montel McKenzie proving to be the difference. Despite controlling large periods of the match and creating several clear-cut chances, Dover were unable to find the breakthrough needed to take anything from the game.

The match began with promise for Dover, as Roman Charles-Cook delivered a dangerous cross into the box in the third minute, only for George Nikaj to head narrowly wide. The home side continued to press forward, with Alfie Matthews and Luke Baptiste linking well in midfield to drive the team’s attack. However, Billericay gradually grew into the game, forcing Jordan Gillmore into a routine save from a close-range effort by De-Carrey Sheriff in the 15th minute.

Dover’s best opportunities of the first half came midway through, with George Wilkinson at the heart of the action. In the 24th minute, his close-range effort was brilliantly saved by Billericay’s goalkeeper Sam Donkin, who then produced another outstanding stop moments later to deny Wilkinson once again. Despite Dover’s dominance, it was Billericay who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. A deflected free-kick from McKenzie found the bottom corner, leaving Gillmore helpless and the home crowd stunned.

The second half saw Dover come out with renewed energy, pushing relentlessly for an equaliser. Alfie Matthews orchestrated play from midfield, and full-back Fuad Sesay, who was booked late in the first half, tested Donkin with a long-range effort in the 87th minute. Despite sustained pressure, including a few late corners toward the end, the Whites were unable to capitalise.

Changes in the closing stages brought fresh legs onto the pitch, with Eniye Amgbaduba and Francis Mampolo introduced to add attacking impetus. However, Billericay’s defence, stood firm. Frustration was evident among the Dover supporters as key decisions went against the home side.

Ultimately, the result leaves Dover reflecting on missed opportunities but still 4 points clear at the summit of the Isthmian Premier Division table. The squad will look to bounce back on New Year’s Day against Horsham.

Attendance: 1,236
Referee: Joseph Dann-Pye
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic: 27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 23 George Wilkinson, 25 Charlie Naylor, 26 Jacob Mensah SUBS: 18 Henry Young, 5 Joe Tennent, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo

Billericay Town: 1 Sam Donkin, 2 Montel McKenzie, 3 Jay Porter, 4 Matt Johnson, 9 Moses Emmanuel, 10 Frankie Merrifield, 11 De-Carrey Sheriff, 12 Tommy Davis, 19 Femi Akinwande, 22 Ben Steward, 23 Charlie Panton SUBS: 5 Aron Pollock, 14 Ade Azeez, 17 Tyrell Miller-Rodney, 18 Ashley Nzala, 25 Arjanit Krasniqi