Dover head to Billericay in our Isthmian Premier Division Play Off Semi Final.
Dover Athletic
On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a play-off place with a 3-1 win at Chichester City in a tense final-day clash. Lewis Rustell’s spectacular overhead kick gave the hosts a 25th-minute lead, but George Nikaj equalised before half-time. Ruben Soares-Junior tapped home in the 70th minute after great work from Roman Charles-Cook, and a late penalty from Luke Baptiste—his 20th league goal—sealed victory deep into stoppage time. Mitch Walker made key saves on his return from injury, ensuring Dover finished fifth
In our away meeting earlier in the season Dover earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Billericay on a hot afternoon in Essex. The hosts started strongly, testing Mitch Walker early, but Dover weathered the storm. As the Whites grew into the game, George Nikaj set up Luke Baptiste for a saved effort, while Lindell Stewart and Baptiste both missed late first-half chances. The breakthrough came on 70 minutes when Baptiste cut back for Nikaj to tap home. However, Billericay quickly responded, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to equalise. Both sides pressed for a winner, with Alfie Matthews going close, but it ended level.
In the home encounter, Dover Athletic fell to a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Billericay Town, with Montel McKenzie’s deflected first-half free-kick proving decisive. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances—most notably through George Wilkinson, who was twice denied brilliantly by keeper Sam Donkin—Dover couldn’t find a breakthrough. Roman Charles-Cook and George Nikaj combined early on, while Alfie Matthews and Luke Baptiste impressed in midfield. Late efforts from Fuad Sesay and substitutes Eniye Amgbaduba and Francis Mampolo couldn’t beat a resolute Billericay defence.
Billericay Town
On Saturday, Billericay Town beat Cheshunt 4-2 in a thrilling finale but fell short of securing the Isthmian Premier Division title. Cheshunt stunned the hosts early, with Tommy Davis and Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite putting them 2-0 up. Frankie Merrifield struck before half-time to give Billericay hope. After the break, Matt Johnson and Decarrey Sheriff turned the game around, putting the Blues 3-2 ahead. Sheriff then missed a penalty as Constable pulled off a fine save. Despite dominating late on, Billericay couldn’t add the crucial goal. Jay Porter netted a late fourth, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the title on a dramatic afternoon.
Billericay Town finished in 2nd place in the Isthmian Premier League with 87 points from 42 matches, level on points with leaders Horsham but behind on goal difference. Their impressive season included 26 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal tally of 83 scored and 42 conceded, giving them a goal difference of +41. At home, Billericay played 21 games, winning 15, drawing 3, and losing 3, a dominant record. Away from home, they were also formidable, winning 11, drawing 6, and losing 4 from their 21 away fixtures.
Last 5
09/04 – Chatham Town (N) – Won 3-2 (Alan Turvey Trophy Final)
12/04 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 2-0
18/04 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Won 2-0
21/04 – Canvey Island (A) – Won 3-0
26/04 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 4-2
The Venue
New Lodge, Blunts Wall Rd, Billericay CM12 9SA
Admission
Adult £13
Concession £8
Young Adult (12-17) £5
11 or Under £1
This game is an all ticket match, we have been allocated 450 tickets. Fans travelling to our game against Billericay will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link: https://billericaytownfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/bil2425pos/billericay-town-v-dover-athletic-playoff-semi-final
The match will be streamed by the Isthmian League on ClubberTV via the following link for a one off payment of £10.99 : https://www.clubbertv.co.uk/sports/football/isthmian-football-league