Dover Athletic fell to a 2-1 defeat against Cray Valley PM despite taking the lead early in the second half. A battling performance from the Whites saw them go toe-to-toe with their hosts, but defensive lapses allowed Cray to turn the game around.
The match began in dramatic fashion as Dover goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo conceded a penalty within the opening minute, bundling over a Cray attacker in the box. However, he quickly redeemed himself, diving the right way to make a crucial save and keep the scores level.
Despite that early scare, Cray Valley PM remained on the front foot, applying pressure on the Dover defence. The Whites had a couple of promising moments, most notably in the 5th minute when captain Ruben Soares-Junior fired just wide and in the 10th minute when George Nikaj headed over from a good position.
The remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair, with neither side able to take control. Dover’s backline held firm under Cray’s pressure, while attacking opportunities were limited. Cocoracchio came closest for the visitors with an audacious effort from range in the 40th minute, but it sailed over the bar. Cray picked up two yellow cards before the break, but there was little to separate the sides as the half ended goalless.
Dover emerged from the break with renewed intent and were rewarded in the 56th minute. A well-worked move down the right saw Roman Charles-Cook deliver an inviting cross, which was met by Soares-Junior, who poked home to give the Whites the lead.
However, their advantage was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Cray responded with a deep cross that was nodded in at the back post to level the scores at 1-1.
The game opened up, with both teams pushing for a winner. Nikaj had a great chance in the 69th minute following a pinpoint cross from Alfie Matthews but couldn’t quite connect. Moments later, Cray made Dover pay for their missed opportunities. A failure to clear their lines from a throw-in saw the hosts take the lead in the 72nd minute, leaving Dover chasing the game.
Despite late substitutions and sustained pressure in the final minutes, Dover couldn’t find an equaliser. Cray came close to extending their lead in the 87th minute when they struck the upright, but their two quick-fire goals proved decisive.