Under the lights at a packed New Lodge, Billericay Town and Dover Athletic faced off in a high-stakes Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final. With a place in the final and the chance at promotion on the line, both sides brought intensity and grit in a game that would ultimately be decided in extra time.

Despite a lively and fast-paced start from Billericay, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless. The hosts were on the front foot early, with Bradley Williams bursting down the right and firing over after a strong run. Elliot Long tested the Dover keeper with a low drive, while Femi Akinwande and Frankie Merrifield created dangerous openings that couldn’t be converted.

Dover gradually grew into the contest. Alfie Matthews was a key threat, testing Sam Donkin with a long-range shot and curling a free kick just wide. Their best opening came when a free header from Ryan Hanson was comfortably collected. Billericay’s biggest chance of the half came just before the break when Long’s strike was parried into the path of De-Carrey Sheriff, whose follow-up was saved.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, intense but lacking in clinical finishing. Dover should have taken the lead early on when Donkin made a superb double save to deny George Nikaj and Matthews. At the other end, Davis rattled the crossbar with a towering header, while Williams and Akinwande kept the visitors’ defence alert.

There was controversy as Dover looked to have scored after a frantic goalmouth scramble, but the officials judged the ball hadn’t crossed the line. Billericay’s penalty appeals were waved away shortly after, and both sides pushed for a late winner without success.

The deadlock was finally broken in extra time. Femi Akinwande struck first for Billericay after a brilliant counter-attack, cutting in from the left and seeing his effort bounce off the post and onto Walker’s back before trickling over the line.

But the lead was short-lived. Dover hit back almost immediately. Alfie Matthews curled a sensational free kick into the top corner to equalise, a stunning response that shifted the momentum.

With both teams tiring, the game appeared destined for penalties until Matthews delivered again. Another expertly taken free kick dipped over the wall and, despite Donkin getting a hand to it, found the back of the net to give Dover a late lead.

Matthews was substituted in stoppage time to a hero’s ovation, and Dover saw out the final moments to secure their place in the play-off final against Dartford on Monday.

Isthmian League – Premier Division Play-off Semi Final
Attendance: 2,857
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: New Lodge

Billericay Town:

1. Sam Donkin, 3. Jay Porter, 4. Matt Johnson, 10. Frankie Merrifield, 11. De-Carrey Sheriff, 12. Tommy Davis, 19. Femi Akinwande, 21. Jack Paxman, 22. Ben Steward, 29. Bradley Williams, 30. Elliot Long SUBS: 2. Montel McKenzie, 9. Moses Emmanuel, 17. Tyrell Miller-Rodney, 18. Ashley Nzala, 23. Charlie Panton

Dover Athletic:

1. Mitch Walker, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 26. Jacob Mensah, 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 24. Francis Mampolo, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan