George Nikaj and Luke Baptiste join Justin Allen for a catch up. We discuss the back-to-back wins over Dulwich and Cray Wanderers, breaking goalscoring droughts, the upcoming games, Nikaj’s tattoo plans and who would be left behind on a night out

Dover Athletic came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Cray Wanderers, ending the hosts’ 14-game unbeaten home streak and strengthening their push for the playoffs. Goals from George Nikaj and captain Ruben Soares-Junior cancelled out Joshua Williams’ opener in a hard-fought contest at Flamingo Park.

Dover started brightly, showing attacking intent in the early exchanges. In the 5th minute, they looked the more dangerous side, though Cray were first to test the goalkeeper when Jordan Gillmore had to push away a long-range strike two minutes later.

The Whites had their first big chance in the 12th minute when Luke Baptiste went down in the box under a challenge, but penalty appeals were waved away. Shortly after, Alfie Matthews forced Cray’s Shaun Rowley into a fingertip save with a well-hit free kick from the left side of the area.

Despite Dover’s early momentum, Cray struck first in the 23rd minute. Joshua Williams picked up the ball on the left, cut inside, and curled a fine effort past Gillmore to put the hosts 1-0 up.

Cray threatened again in the 32nd and 33rd minutes, first with a lobbed effort that nearly beat Gillmore, and then with a well-worked short corner routine that ended in a volley over the bar.

Dover slowly regained control and had another penalty shout in the 35th minute when Jacob Mensah appeared to be held in the box, but the referee remained unmoved. A series of chances followed, with Ruben Soares-Junior flicking a ball to the back post for Ryan Hanson, who headed over, before Baptiste came close after a clever free-kick move in the 42nd minute.

The equaliser finally came on the stroke of halftime. A ball forward found George Nikaj in on goal, and the prolific forward made no mistake, slotting home his 20th goal of the season to level the match at 1-1 heading into the break.

Dover began the second half positively but struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities. The first booking of the game arrived in the 58th minute when Ryan Hanson was cautioned. Cray responded with a speculative long-range effort in the 62nd minute that drifted wide.

The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute. A looping ball into the box from Roman Charles-Cook was flicked on, and captain Ruben Soares-Junior reacted quickest to finish from five yards out, giving Dover a 2-1 lead.

Tempers flared shortly after as Cray’s Tom Bonner was booked in the 69th minute. Dover were then forced into a stoppage as Soares-Junior required treatment for an injury, though he was able to continue.

Dover looked to kill off the game and nearly did so in the 74th minute when Soares-Junior found himself through on goal but fired wide. A series of substitutions followed as Dover sought to shore up their lead, with Francis Mampolo and George Wilkinson introduced for fresh legs.

Cray pressed for an equaliser late on, but Dover’s defence, marshaled by Mensah and Tennent, held firm. Eight minutes of added time tested the visitors’ resolve, yet they remained composed to see out a significant victory.

Isthmian League – Premier Division

Attendance: 808

Venue: Flamingo Park

Kick-off: 3pm

Cray Wanderers:

1. Shaun Rowley, 2. Ike Orji, 3. Darion Dowrich, 4. Remi Sutton, 5. Quade Taylor, 6. Tom Bonner (C), 7. Lateef Adaja, 8. Frankie Raymond, 9. Soul Kader, 10. Joshua Williams, 11. Nyren Clunis SUBS: 12. Thomas Borders, 14. Ezechukwu Ebuzoeme II, 16. Victor Damyanov, 19. Freddie Warwick, 20. Kavalli Heywood

Dover Athletic:

27. Jordan Gillmore, 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 (C), 26. Jacob Mensah, 29. Ryan Hanson SUBS: 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 23. George Wilkinson, 24. Francis Mampolo, 28. Kweku-Conrad Lucan

Fans travelling to our game against Dartford on Friday 18 April will need to pre-purchase tickets on the following link:

https://dartfordfc-awayfans.ktckts.com/event/dar2425h20/dartford-v-dover-athletic

Dover head to Cray Wanderers in the Isthmian Premier Division.

Dover Athletic

On Saturday, Dover Athletic secured a crucial 1-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet at the Megger Community Stadium, with Luca Cocoracchio’s 12th-minute strike proving the difference on a packed Community Day. The defender calmly chipped home after a scramble in the box to net his first goal of the season. Dover dominated large spells, striking the woodwork and forcing several saves from Dulwich keeper Dillon Barnes. Despite late pressure, including a last-gasp effort against the post, Dover held firm for a deserved victory.

In the reverse fixture, Dover Athletic’s long unbeaten run ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cray Wanderers at Crabble in a fiery Isthmian Premier clash. Despite dominating for long spells and creating multiple chances, Dover were undone by Kenny Coker’s 47th-minute strike. The Whites started brightly, with early efforts from George Nikaj and Ruben Soares-Junior, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Luke Baptiste’s header hit the bar late on, while Francis Mampolo went close.

From the Management

“This is a young group, and I keep mentioning how young the group is, but the expectations on this group were low at the start of the year. I think they have to get massive credit with how well we’ve done this year. We’ve got to keep working, keep trying to pick up wins in the last six games, and who knows where it can take us.” – Mike Sandmann

Cray Wanderers

Cray Wanderers relegated Bowers & Pitsea with a 4-0 win on Non-League Day, powered by Nyren Clunis’ 16-minute second-half hat-trick. Ike Orji opened the scoring just before half-time, and Clunis struck three times after the break to seal the result. It was a good win for Cray following manager Neil Smith’s departure, with assistant Tim O’Shea stepping in. Bowers, winless in 2025, battled but couldn’t stop their slide. New loanee Kivalli Heywood impressed, while Cray gave debuts to several U23s

Cray Wanderers sit in 11th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 54 points from 36 matches. Their record includes 16 wins, 6 draws, and 14 defeats. At home, they’ve been solid, winning 8 of 18 matches, while away from home they’ve matched that with another 8 wins from 18. They’ve scored 46 goals and conceded 40, giving them a goal difference of +6. Although not in the playoff spots, Cray Wanderers remain competitive in mid-table and will be hoping for a strong finish to the season to push further up the standings.

Last 6

22/03 – Bowers & Pitsea (H) – Won 4-0
15/03 – Carshalton Athletic (A) – Lost 1-2
08/03 – Canvey Island (H) – Won 3-1
01/03 – Chichester City (A) – Lost 1-2
22/02 – Folkestone Invicta (H) – Won 3-2
15/02 – Cheshunt (H) – Won 2-1

The Venue

Flamingo Park
Sidcup Bypass
Chislehurst
BR7 6HL

Admission  

Adult – £12.00
Concession (16-18 yrs & over 65) – £6.00
Under 16s – £0.00

Buy online via fanbase, see link:
https://www.cray-wanderers.com/tickets/

Alfie Matthews catches up with Justin Allen to reflect on a big win over Dulwich on Non-League Day, looks ahead to the run-in, his recent relocation and future

Dover Athletic returned to winning ways with a gritty 1-0 victory over Dulwich Hamlet at the Megger Community Stadium, thanks to a first-half strike from Luca Cocoracchio on a lively Community Day in front of over 3,000 supporters.

Jake Leberl named an unchanged XI from the midweek defeat to Chatham, and the response from his players was immediate and determined. Dover started the match shooting towards the Town End, and after surviving some early pressure from the visitors, the home side settled into the contest.

Dulwich’s Dillon Barnes was called into action early, tipping over a long-range effort inside the opening minutes, while Dover came close through Ryan Hanson after a flurry of corners. But it was Cocoracchio who made the breakthrough on 12 minutes. Following a goalmouth scramble, the midfielder showed composure to lift the ball over Barnes and into the net — his first goal of the season, and one greeted with jubilation from the home support.

Dover looked dangerous from set pieces throughout the first half, with Luke Baptiste and Ruben Soares-Junior offering width and energy, while Alfie Matthews battled through an early knock to keep the visitors pinned back.

Dulwich were forced into an early substitution as Kreshnic Krasniqi limped off after 28 minutes, replaced by Ryley Scott. Soon after, Luke Wanadio went into the referee’s book for a late challenge on goalkeeper Jordan Gillmore.

As the half drew to a close, Dover nearly doubled their lead — Baptiste, finding plenty of joy down the left, delivered a pinpoint cross to Hanson, whose shot was well-blocked. Three minutes were added, and Dulwich made a second change as David Bremang came on for Amaru Kaunda.

The second half saw Dover start brightly again. Baptiste struck the post with a fierce drive on 47 minutes as the home side looked to kill the game. Dulwich responded with several efforts from range, but Gillmore remained solid between the sticks.

Cocoracchio, not content with just his goal, turned provider with a slick through ball to Soares-Junior, who forced an excellent save from Barnes as Dover pressed for a second. Substitutions followed for both sides — Kweku Lucan for Dover and Louis Ramsay was introduced as Dulwich reshuffled in search of a reply.

Matthews, before being withdrawn late on, saw a powerful header saved, and Baptiste continued to threaten, slicing narrowly wide after a driving run. The Whites created enough chances to put the game to bed, but Barnes kept Dulwich in it with a string of strong saves.

As the match wore on, Dover managed the game well, with Gillmore’s command of his area and some disciplined defending keeping Dulwich at bay. There was a late scare in stoppage time when Dulwich struck the upright in the dying seconds, but Dover held firm to claim a vital three points in their promotion push.

The win lifts Dover further in the play-off places and marked another successful Community Day, organised by the club’s Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer, Vikki Pawley — a day to remember both on and off the pitch.

Dover Athletic: Gillmore, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Mensah, Tennent, Cocoracchio, Baptiste, Matthews (Wilkinson 88mins), Nikaj (Lucan 65mins), Soares-Junior, Hanson. Subs not used: T.Amgbaduba, E.Amgbaduba, Mampolo.

Dulwich Hamlet: Barnes, Williams-Bushell, Wanadio, Chambers, Mason (Porter 79mins), Mills, Bonnett-Johnson (Ramsay 66mins), Marshall, Krasqini (Scott 28mins), Binnon-Williams, Kaunda (Bremang 46mins). Sub not used: Adepoju.

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 3,021
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: David Spain
Venue: Megger Community Stadium

Dover Athletic welcome Dulwich Hamlet to The Megger Community Stadium.

Community Day

Gates open at 1pm, with live music from Taylor Clark and free face painting in the Centre Spot. We’ve given out 1,000 adult and child tickets to local schools and community groups, with every child receiving a DAFC goodie bag full of treats and merchandise. This is also our ‘Food Bank Fixture’ in partnership with Dover Food Bank, encouraging fans to bring food donations. We’re also supporting Prostate Cancer UK, with donation buckets around the ground. After the game, players will be in the Centre Spot for photos, autographs, and meet & greets. And of course, Dover Athletic’s mascot, Captain Crab, will be making an appearance.

Dover Athletic

On Tuesday, Dover Athletic suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chatham Town at Crabble, with Trevon Bryan’s 28th-minute strike proving decisive after a defensive mistake. Dover dominated much of the game, creating several chances, but failed to convert. Nikaj and Soares-Junior went close, while Matthews forced a fine save. The second half saw frequent stoppages, disrupting Dover’s rhythm, as Chatham slowed the game. Hanson had a late effort blocked, but despite nine minutes of added time, the hosts couldn’t find an equaliser.

In our previous encounter with Dulwich, Dover Athletic overcame an early own goal to secure a dominant 4-1 win. Dulwich took an early lead after Luca Cocoracchio’s own goal, but Dover responded with intensity. Ruben Soares-Junior equalised before halftime, and George Nikaj put Dover ahead with a precise strike. Alfie Matthews added a stunning volley, and Soares-Junior sealed the win with a clever flick. Despite strong home support, Dulwich struggled against Dover’s relentless attack, leaving the visitors firmly in control of the title race.

From The Manager

“Community Days here at Dover are really good and obviously Dulwich are a big club. So we are looking forward to that, and hopefully we can get a reaction and three points on the board.”

Dulwich Hamlet

In their last outing, A late penalty from Vas Vasiliou secured Cheshunt a dramatic 1-0 win over Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill. Dulwich dominated much of the game, with Amaru Kaunda and David Bremang going close in the first half. In the 48th minute, Dulwich earned a penalty, but ex-Hamlet keeper R’avan Constable saved Bremang’s effort after receiving advice from the Cheshunt bench. The game remained tense until the 90th minute when a handball in the Dulwich box gifted Cheshunt a penalty, which Vasiliou calmly converted. Despite controlling the match, Dulwich were left heartbroken by the last-minute defeat.

Dulwich Hamlet sits in 16th place in the Isthmian Premier League with 40 points from 35 matches. Their season has been inconsistent, with 11 wins, 7 draws, and 17 losses. At home, they have managed 7 wins from 17 matches, while their away form has been weaker, with just 4 wins in 18 games. They have scored 52 goals but conceded 64, leaving them with a goal difference of -12.

Last 6

16/03 – Cheshunt (H) – Lost 0-1
12/03 – Potters Bar Town (A) – Won 1-0
08/03 – Hashtag United (A) – Drew 3-3
01/03 – Lewes (H) – Lost 1-3
25/02 – Charlton (A) – Won 2-0 (London Senior Cup Quarter-final)
15/02 – Hastings United (A) – Drew 0-0

The Venue

We look forward to welcoming Chatham to the Megger Community Stadium. More information on getting to the ground can be found here: https://doverathletic.com/visit-crabble/

Megger Community Stadium. Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 0JB.

Admission  

Adults: £15
Concessions: £14
U18: £9
U11: FREE with a paying adult

We now only accept card on the gate and operate a cashless ground.