Dover Athletic were denied all three points in dramatic fashion as Cray Valley PM salvaged a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Isthmian League Premier Division clash at The Megger Community Stadium.
A crowd of 1,020 witnessed an afternoon of high drama, capped by two stoppage-time goals that left both sets of fans breathless. Dover, sitting atop the table, took the lead in the 11th minute through stand-in captain Ruben Soares-Junior’s spectacular overhead kick. The move began with Luca Cocoracchio, who recovered possession from a misjudged free kick and delivered a precise cross to George Nikaj. Nikaj’s cushioned header set up Soares-Junior, who executed a moment of brilliance to give the hosts an early advantage.
Despite Cray Valley pushing for an equaliser, the Whites held firm in the first half. Goalkeeper Claudio Boakye-Sarfo made a vital save to deny Tom Beere, while Dover’s defence repeatedly thwarted Cray’s advances. At the other end, the visitors survived a series of close calls, including a missed lob from Nikaj and a powerful effort from Francis Mampolo that sailed narrowly over.
The second half began with immediate drama as Cray Valley were awarded a penalty within 30 seconds of the restart. However, Freddie Parker’s spot-kick cannoned off the post, much to the relief of Boakye-Sarfo and the Dover faithful. The miss spurred Cray on, who dominated the second half. Substitute Matthew Vigor eventually found the equaliser in the 87th minute.
The game looked destined for a draw until stoppage time delivered a whirlwind finale. In the 90+7th minute, Dover reclaimed the lead when Soares-Junior turned provider, setting up Roman Charles-Cook to slot home his first goal of the season. Crabble erupted, believing the points were secured.
Yet, just a minute later, Cray Valley struck back. Adam Coombes kept a loose ball alive, allowing captain Mohammed Idris Oshilaja to backheel an audacious equaliser past a stunned Dover defence. Oshilaja’s joy was short-lived as he received a second yellow card for his exuberant celebration, leaving Cray to finish with ten men.
The result sees both teams extend their unbeaten league runs to ten games, maintaining their positions at the top of the table. For Dover, it was a frustrating end to a match that could have further cemented their lead.
Dover return to action on Tuesday in the Kent Senior Cup quarter-finals against Deal Town.
Dover Athletic: Boakye-Sarfo, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Cocoracchio, Baptiste (Tennent 82mins), Nikaj, Soares-Junior, Pont (T.Amgbaduba 95mins), Wilkinson (Matthews 70mins), Mampolo (E.Amgbaduba 65mins), Mensah. Sub not used: Gyebi.
Cray Valley PM: Ovenden, Williams, Oshilaja, Black (Vigor 60mins), Parker, Coker (Ademiluyi 65mins), Waldren (Coombes 76mins), Asiedu, Shomotun (Tumkaya 76mins), Beere (Anau 70mins), Bowry.
Referee: Peter Conn.
Attendance: 1,020.
