Dover Athletic left Hertfordshire with all three points after a dramatic late winner secured a 2–1 victory over Hemel Hempstead Town.

There were starts for Gurung in midfield and Mensah at the back, both returning to the XI, while Beadle missed out through suspension. The Whites began the afternoon brightly, dealing calmly with early Hemel pressure. Mensah was quickly involved, seeing out the hosts’ first attack inside two minutes, before Dover settled into the contest.

After a quiet opening spell, the game turned in Dover’s favour on ten minutes. Hanson delivered a quality ball into the final third and Nikaj did the rest — claiming possession, turning his man and curling a superb effort beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. The keeper got a hand to it, but the shot floated into the top corner to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Dover looked to build on the advantage, with Cocoracchio teeing up Nikaj on the edge of the area soon after, though the effort lacked power. Hemel responded with sustained pressure, forcing the Whites into a resilient defensive display. A header was cleared off the line from a corner, before Cocoracchio produced a moment of real bravery, diving to block a powerful volley from Achuba that looked destined for the net.

Walker was then called into action, denying Davies with a strong save as Hemel searched for an equaliser. The Dover goalkeeper followed that up with two more excellent interventions in quick succession, first diving to meet Willo’s effort and then holding onto a close-range header from Remaye Campbell. Despite the pressure, Dover saw out the half professionally to go in 1–0 ahead.

Hemel were forced into a change at the break, with their goalkeeper unable to continue, and the hosts emerged with renewed intent. Sheriff provided a dangerous delivery early in the second half, but Soares-Junior could not apply the finishing touch. Dover were then dealt a blow when Charles-Cook was forced off injured, with Jallow returning from his own injury absence to slot in at right back.

The game remained finely balanced as Hemel pushed forward and Dover looked to break. A foul on Gurung halted a promising counter-attack, while the visitors continued to defend with discipline. However, with seven minutes remaining, the hosts found their moment. Wiltshire struck from long range, unleashing an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net to level the scores at 1–1.

Dover nearly responded immediately, only for a goal to be ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper. Hemel then came close to snatching a winner themselves, but Walker stood firm once more, spreading himself to deny Remaye Campbell when through on goal.

As the clock ticked into added time, Dover delivered the decisive blow. Hemel failed to clear a cross into the box and the ball broke to Hanson on the edge of the area. He made no mistake, calmly slotting home to restore the Whites’ lead and spark jubilant celebrations from the travelling support.

Late substitutions helped see out the remaining minutes, and despite eight minutes of added time, Dover held on to claim a vital away win.

The Whites now turn their attention back to the Crabble, with Torquay United visiting on Tuesday night in the rearranged fixture.

Hemel Hempstead Town

Starting XI: 1 Johnson, 3 Dowrich, 5 Rowan, 6 Lomas, 7 Williams, 14 Davis, 15 Achuba, 17 Campbell, 19 Bateson, 22 Stanley, 27 Lorentzen-Jones
Substitutes: Holden (GK), Wilkinson, Wiltshire, Noel-Williams, Vilhete, Cook-Appliah

Dover Athletic

Starting XI: 1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 18 Gurung, 11 Sheriff, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj
Substitutes: Coker, Matthews, Baptiste, Onu, Mampolo, Jallow, Wilkinson

Dover Athletic make the trip to Vauxhall Road on Saturday to face a Hemel Hempstead Town side firmly in the play-off picture. The Tudors sit sixth in the National League South, having picked up four wins from their last five matches, and have been difficult to break down all season, conceding just 26 goals in 27 games. Dover, meanwhile, have slipped to 16th and will be looking to halt a challenging run of form. With Hemel pushing to strengthen their play-off position and the Whites keen to restore momentum, the meeting sets up as a stern but important test for Jake Leberl’s side on the road.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic suffered a frustrating 3–0 defeat away at AFC Totton in a game shaped by key moments and discipline. After a bright start and a superb double save from Knightbridge denied Nikaj and Baptiste, Totton struck first through Rendell. Dover’s task became harder when Beadle was shown a red card, and the hosts capitalised soon after as Hallet headed in from a corner. Despite Walker producing several fine saves, Totton extended their lead early in the second half when Lee finished clinically. Dover battled on, but with ten men, were unable to find a way back.

From the Management

“We’ve got a clear week now, so it’s about clearing our heads. We played Hemel not so long ago, so we know what they’re about. We’ve just got to stick together. It’s been a really tough period, but there are plenty of games coming thick and fast and we know we can pick up points. We just need to keep working, stay together, and keep trying to pick up results to keep us going.”

Hemel Hempstead Town

Lee Allinson’s Tudors claimed a hard-earned and historic victory at the intimidating Gallagher Arena, described by Allinson as their result of the season so far. Missing skipper Kyle Ajayi through suspension, new signing Louis Lomas impressed on his debut as Hemel produced a superb defensive display. Maidstone dominated possession and forced early saves from Michael Johnson, who was outstanding throughout. A pivotal stop from Riley Court preceded the decisive moment as Millar Mathews-Lewis struck with an acrobatic overhead kick just before half-time. The Tudors withstood heavy second-half pressure to secure their first win over Maidstone in 12 games and boost their play-off push.

Last Time

The sides last met only a few weeks ago, and Dover Athletic were again edged out by Hemel Hempstead Town, this time in a narrow 2–1 defeat at the Megger Community Stadium. An early scramble saw Matthews-Lewis give Hemel the lead inside two minutes, but Dover responded well and drew level through Nikaj after a fine cross from Sheriff. The Whites enjoyed a strong spell either side of half-time, hitting the post and forcing sustained pressure from set pieces. However, against the run of play, Matthews-Lewis struck again on 65 minutes to restore Hemel’s advantage. Dover pushed late on, but disciplined defending denied a second equaliser.

Last Six

Chesham United 1–0 Hemel Hempstead Town (26 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 3–0 Enfield (30 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (3 Jan, National League South)
Dover Athletic 1–2 Hemel Hempstead Town (10 Jan, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 0–3 Slough Town (17 Jan, National League South)
Maidstone United 0–1 Hemel Hempstead Town (24 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club,
The Focus Community Arena,
Vauxhall Road,
Hemel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire,
HP2 4HW.

Admission  

Adults – £17
Concession – £12
U18s – £7

Buy online – https://hemelfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/hhtfc_vs_dover_athletic

The Club are aware of an incident which took place at yesterday’s game away at Totton and have viewed the footage available on social media.

Whilst specific serious allegations must be a matter for law enforcement and therefore cannot be commented on by the Club at this stage, it is clear that the behaviour of the individual is totally unacceptable under any circumstances.

The individual involved has been identified and will be served with an indefinite ban by the club, we will also cooperate with clubs for away fixtures to ensure that there is no repetition in the future.

We would like to apologise to AFC Totton for this individual’s behaviour at their stadium and assure them that it does not reflect the standards expected by the club and demonstrated by the vast majority of our supporters.

Jim Parmenter, Chairman

Dover Athletic endured a difficult afternoon in Hampshire as AFC Totton ran out 3–0 winners at the Snows Stadium, in a game defined by decisive moments and a costly red card before the break.

The Whites started with real intent and were competitive in the early exchanges. A physical opening saw Baptiste fouled early on in midfield, before Sheriff delivered an inviting cross that Nikaj headed over from a promising position. Totton responded with a wide free-kick that was comfortably gathered by Walker, but Dover were arguably the more threatening side in the opening quarter.

The best chance of the half arrived on 18 minutes and summed up the visitors’ afternoon. Nikaj cut inside and fired goalwards, his effort taking a deflection that forced a superb reaction save from Knightbridge. Baptiste and Sheriff reacted quickest to the rebound, but the Totton goalkeeper showed outstanding agility to scramble across his line and deny what looked a certain opening goal.

Totton gradually grew into the game and, on 27 minutes, took the lead. A cross from the left found its way to Rendell inside the box, and the experienced forward applied the finish to put the hosts ahead.

Frustration began to creep in for Dover, with manager Leberl shown a yellow card moments later, before the afternoon took a decisive turn on the half-hour mark. Beadle was shown a straight red card, adjudged to have led with his elbow when challenging for a header. Reduced to ten men, Dover reshuffled immediately, with Mensah introduced in place of Baptiste.

Totton capitalised soon after. A corner was delivered into the box on 34 minutes and Hallet rose to turn the ball high into the net, doubling the home side’s advantage. Walker was called into action again shortly afterwards with a fine reaching save to keep Dover in contention, but the damage had been done.

Further frustration followed late in the half when assistant manager Mike Sandmann was dismissed from the technical area, compounding a first half to forget for the visitors.

At the break, Dover made a change, with Gurung replacing Soares-Junior, but Totton almost added a third within seconds of the restart. Another corner caused chaos, Rendell poking the ball goalwards only for Walker to produce an excellent stop on his own line.

The decisive blow arrived on 49 minutes. A direct ball forward found Lee, who controlled superbly and spun before firing low into the bottom corner for Totton’s third, a ruthless finish that effectively ended the contest.

To Dover’s credit, there were still moments of resistance. Nikaj forced a save after getting in behind, but with a man advantage and a comfortable lead, Totton controlled the remainder of the game. Further substitutions followed for the visitors, with Coker and Wilkinson introduced, while Sheriff later saw yellow before being withdrawn.

Totton were briefly reduced to ten men themselves when Osborne was shown a straight red card on 82 minutes, but by then the outcome was beyond doubt. The final stages played out with little incident, aside from a late booking for Cocoracchio, before the referee brought proceedings to a close after five added minutes.

It was not Dover’s day in Hampshire. Attention now turns to next Saturday’s trip to Hemel, where the Whites will look to respond.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker, 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 7 Baptiste, 11 Sheriff, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj.

Subs: Coker, Matthews, Gurung, Onu, Mensah, Jallow, Wilkinson.

AFC Totton:
31 Knightbridge, 3 Haunstrup, 5 Hallet, 6 O’Connor, 9 Rendell, 10 Lee, 12 Osborne, 17 Rose, 21 Batzelis, 23 Vigrass, 26 Cordner.

Subs: Oastler, Carter, Clarke, Dolling, Bartolo, Bennett, Tanner.

AFC Totton and Dover Athletic meet on Saturday with just two points separating the sides in the National League South table, setting up a tightly poised contest. Totton come into the fixture in 14th place with 36 points from 26 matches, while Dover sit just below them in 15th on 34 points, having played one game more. With both teams looking to pull clear of those around them, the stakes are high as two evenly matched sides go head-to-head, knowing that a positive result could provide valuable momentum heading into the next run of fixtures.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic were beaten by two second-half goals at Dagenham & Redbridge after a competitive first half. The Whites made a positive start and created chances through Nikaj and Sheriff, while Walker was called into action at the other end. With little to separate the sides at the break, Dagenham increased the pressure after half-time and broke the deadlock just after the hour when Stephenson headed home from a cross. Dover battled to respond but were unable to halt the momentum, and a late finish from Harrack sealed the result.

From the Management

“On Saturday we’ve got Totton away. They beat us on the opening day of the season. Do we want to go there and try to get three points? Absolutely. We said in there that the second-half performance against Dagenham and the character shown were similar to the first half against Totton at home. We know what Totton are about, and we’re going to have to be a lot better than we were on Tuesday if we want to get anything from the game.”

AFC Totton

AFC Totton suffered a frustrating 4–1 defeat away at Tonbridge Angels after a damaging second-half collapse. Despite dominating possession early on, The Stags fell behind against the run of play when Marcus Sablier finished from close range. Totton responded quickly through Ash Clarke, who calmly converted one-on-one to level the scores. The visitors moved the ball well before the break but lacked a cutting edge. Tonbridge emerged strongly after half-time and regained the lead through Frankie Baker before goals from Bunmi Babajide and Ricky Korboa put the result beyond doubt. A second half to forget for Totton.

Last Time

The last time the sides met, on the opening day of the season, Dover Athletic were edged out 3–2 by AFC Totton at the Megger Community Stadium after a difficult first half. Totton dominated early and raced into a three-goal lead before the break through Batzelis, Haunstrup and Vigrass. Dover struggled to match the visitors’ energy but improved after the interval following a number of changes. The introduction of Mampolo sparked a late revival, with Nikaj pulling a goal back before adding a second deep into stoppage time. Despite a frantic finish, Totton held on, leaving Dover to rue a flat opening 45 minutes.

Last Six

Woking 2–0 AFC Totton (13 Dec, FA Trophy Third Round)
AFC Totton 1–0 Torquay United (20 Dec, National League South)
Salisbury 3–1 AFC Totton (26 Dec, National League South)
AFC Totton 1–1 Chippenham Town (30 Dec, National League South)
AFC Totton 3–2 Enfield (3 Jan, National League South)
Tonbridge Angels 4–1 AFC Totton (17 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

The Snows Stadium
Salisbury Road
Totton
Southampton
SO40 2RW

More info: https://www.afctotton.com/club-info/snows-stadium

Admission  

Matchday tickets can be purchased online , and fans can also pay at the turnstile using cash or card. There are 4 turnstiles at the ground.

https://afctotton.ticketco.events/uk/en

Tickets purchased in advance:
Adults – £15
Over 65s & students, Concession – £11
Registered Disabled, Concession – £11
Child (5-17 years) – £6 
All under 5’s FREE with accompanied adult

Due to increased staffing and operational costs on Matchdays, the prices on the gate are as follows:

Adults – £17
Over 65s & students, Concession – £13
Registered Disabled, Concession – £13
Child (5-17 years) – £8 
All under 5’s FREE with accompanied adult

Dover Athletic were left empty-handed at the Chigwell Construction Stadium as Dagenham & Redbridge struck twice in the second half to claim the points, despite a competitive and evenly matched opening 45 minutes.

The Whites started positively and caused early problems from set plays, with Beadle’s long throw inside the opening three minutes leading to the first corner of the evening. Dagenham responded with a spell of possession, but Jones was well positioned to clear a dangerous cross as the hosts looked to settle into the contest.

The first real attempt of the match came just after the 10-minute mark when Haigh fired over from distance, before Walker was called into action moments later, saving sharply at his near post after Stephenson found space inside the box.

Dover’s first effort arrived on 20 minutes, Nikaj trying his luck from range, though the shot was comfortably gathered by Howes. That sparked a lively spell in the game, with both sides exchanging chances. Dagenham came closest on 25 minutes when Haigh cut inside and rattled the crossbar with a curling effort, while at the other end Sodje delivered low into the box and Nikaj just failed to keep his effort down.

The Whites continued to threaten from wide areas and set pieces. Sheriff saw a powerful header tipped over following a dangerous delivery from Nikaj, and moments later Dover went agonisingly close to taking the lead when Nikaj met a cross unmarked inside the area, only for Howes to produce an acrobatic save to keep the scores level heading into the break.

At half-time there was little to separate the sides, with Dover more than holding their own against a well-organised home outfit.

The second half began with Dagenham applying sustained pressure, pinning Dover back and delivering regularly from wide areas. Walker was again called upon early, dealing with a deflected effort before Dover stood firm through a spell of corners and free kicks.

The breakthrough came just past the hour mark. A well-worked move down the flank saw a pinpoint cross delivered by Young, allowing Stephenson the space to rise and power a header beyond Walker to give the hosts the lead.

Dover responded by making changes, introducing Matthews for Coker, but momentum continued to favour Dagenham. Walker produced an excellent save to deny Haigh from a free kick on the edge of the box, while Beadle was required to make a crucial block on the line as the pressure mounted.

Further substitutions followed as Soares-Junior replaced Cocoracchio, but the hosts sealed the contest with six minutes remaining. Leech did well to pull the ball back across the area, where Harrack arrived to sweep a first-time finish into the top corner, leaving Dover with too much to do late on.

Despite late efforts to push forward, Dover were unable to find a route back into the game, with yellow cards shown to Charles-Cook and Hanson during a scrappy closing period.

A travelling contingent of 92 supporters were in attendance as part of a crowd of 1,125. Dover Athletic now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Totton, looking to respond quickly on the road.

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 4 Jones, 16 Beadle, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson, 7 Baptiste, 11 Sheriff, 9 Coker and 10 Nikaj. Substitutes: Gillmore, Matthews, Gurung, Soares-Junior, Mensah, Wilkinson and Mampolo.

Dagenham & Redbridge: 13 Howes, 3 Maghoma, 5 Graham, 6 Panter, 11 Haigh, 18 Stephenson, 20 Harrack, 21 Broad, 23 Lawless, 29 Leech and 38 Dieng (C). Substitutes: Nightingale, Lusala, Marsh, Scott, N’Guessan, De Silva and Young.

Fancy watching the Whites take on Torquay in style? Of course you do.

The boys will be looking to put on a show and where else would you rather watch it than here with us.

Watch the game from the best seats in the house and let our match day hospitality provide the ultimate way to spend your time with us.

The package includes:

• Lounge with large TVs and a projector showing the game
• A one-course meal served at your table
• Reserved undercover premium padded seating
• Complimentary tea, coffee & mineral water, plus a dedicated paid bar before and after the match
• Complimentary match day programme

The very special experience costs £20 per person and is available for individual and group bookings, or as a gift voucher.

Please note that this price does NOT include entry for non-season ticket holders who do attend, and they will still need to pay at the turnstile on the day.

On the menu for the game will be :

Main: Cottage Pie served with Peas, Carrots and Gravy.

The dress code is smart casual.

To buy your VIP ticket please email enquiries@doverathletic.com or call the office on 01304 822373

Dover Athletic make the trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night for a tightly poised National League South fixture between two sides separated by just a single point. The Whites head to Victoria Road sitting 14th with 34 points from 26 matches, narrowly ahead of the Daggers in 15th. With both teams having won eight games this season and little to choose between them in the standings, it sets the scene for a competitive contest as Dover look to build on recent momentum on the road.

Dover Athletic

Dover Athletic ended their losing run with a hard-fought 1–0 National League South victory over Bath City at the Megger Community Stadium. The decisive moment came early, as Jones headed home from a Sodje corner to give the Whites an eighth-minute lead. Dover controlled much of the first half and went close through Nikaj and Baptiste but could not extend their advantage. Bath applied pressure after the break, striking the woodwork from a corner, while Nikaj and substitute Matthews both came close for the hosts. Strong defending and a late save from Walker secured a valuable three points.

From the Management

“I’m really looking forward to Tuesday night away at Dagenham. We want to carry this momentum on. We look at the season in blocks of five games, and this is the start of the next one. We want to build on Saturday, keep another clean sheet, and go there looking to get all three points.”

Dagenham & Redbridge

The Daggers were narrowly beaten 1–0 by Salisbury in their first home match of 2026, despite creating a host of chances. The hosts started brightly, with Dabre, Leech and Haigh all going close before the breakthrough. Haigh twice tested the Salisbury goalkeeper in the first half, but momentum shifted just before the break when Leech was sent off for an off-the-ball incident. Reduced to ten men, the Daggers continued to threaten after the restart, Haigh again denied from close range. Salisbury capitalised in the 77th minute as Odokonyero tapped home from a low cross. Late Haigh chances went unrewarded.

Last Time

The last time the sides met at Crabble, Dover Athletic were denied all three points late on as a dramatic 2–2 draw unfolded on a Tuesday night. The visitors struck inside two minutes through Wilson, but the contest shifted when Panter was sent off midway through the first half. Dover pressed and, after the break, hit back immediately as Soares-Junior headed in from a Mampolo cross. The turnaround was completed when Soares-Junior reacted quickest to a rebound to make it 2–1. Despite sustained pressure, Dover were pegged back late on as Hemmings converted a penalty, forcing the Whites to settle for a point.

Last Six

Tonbridge Angels 2–2 Dagenham & Redbridge (20 Dec, National League South)
Dagenham & Redbridge 2–3 Hornchurch (26 Dec, National League South)
Chelmsford City 1–4 Dagenham & Redbridge (29 Dec, National League South)
Hemel Hempstead Town 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (3 Jan, National League South)
Wealdstone 1–0 Dagenham & Redbridge (10 Jan, FA Trophy Fourth Round)
Dagenham & Redbridge 0–1 Salisbury (17 Jan, National League South)

The Venue

The Chigwell Construction Stadium
Victoria Road, Dagenham
RM10 7XL

More info – https://daggers.co.uk/visit-us/

Admission  

Away supporters will be situated in the Choice Training Stand. 

Please note that tickets are available to be purchased in advance online at the link below: 

https://www.tixr.com/groups/daggers/events/daggers-v-dover-athletic-167023

Tickets are available online right through to kick-off, and will also be available on the day at the turnstiles (cash & card) although this is subject to availability, and an increase in pricing. 

Ticket prices are discounted in advance with Adults, Concessions and Next Gen (17–21-year-olds) tickets increasing by £2 on the day of the fixture, with the discounted prices available until midnight the day before the game. 

This stand is all seated and has catering facilities open before the game and at half time. Please note that there are no bar facilities for away supporters once inside the ground. Away fans are welcome to use our Clubhouse both before and after the game if they wish. 

Entry is via turnstile 8 which is accessed via the rear of the main car park, or through the gates from Pondfield Park to the rear of the ground. Turnstiles will open one hour and a half before kick-off. There is also plenty of parking in the area surrounding the ground. 

Ticket Prices

Away supporters prices are as follows: 

Adults £20.00 (£22.00 on matchday) 

Concessions £15.00 (£17.00 on matchday) 

Young Adults (17-21) £12.00 (£14.00 on matchday) 

Juniors (10-16) £8.00 (£10.00 on matchday) 

Under 10’s £1.00 (£1.00 on matchday) 

Dover Athletic brought a frustrating run to an end with a gritty 1–0 National League South victory over Bath City at the Megger Community Stadium, earning a deserved three points built on early intensity, defensive resilience and a nerveless finish.

After a cagey opening, it was the Whites who struck the decisive blow inside the first 10 minutes. A corner from the recalled Sodje caused immediate problems in the Bath box, and despite appeals from visiting goalkeeper Wiles-Richards, Jones rose highest to power a header into the net. The defender’s third goal of the season proved enough to separate the sides and reward a bright start from Jake Leberl’s team.

Bath looked to respond quickly, launching a long throw into the Dover area in the opening minutes, but Jones was again alert to head clear as the follow-up effort sailed over. At the other end, Nikaj began to find pockets of space, twisting away from his marker and forcing blocks as Dover pushed Bath back with sharp pressing and purposeful movement.

The Whites continued to look dangerous on the break. A swift counter midway through the half saw Charles-Cook deliver from the right, forcing Bath to concede another corner, while Beadle’s long throw shortly afterwards almost caught the visitors out again as Jones glanced a header that drifted just wide.

Dover should perhaps have gone into the interval with a more comfortable cushion. Nikaj twice went close, first turning smartly inside the area and dragging a left-footed effort inches wide, then seeing another attempt bobble just past the post with Wiles-Richards unable to reach it. Baptiste also tested the Bath keeper with a snapshot late in the half, as the Whites enjoyed the clearer chances without finding a second goal.

The visitors had a let-off in first-half stoppage time when a defensive miscue allowed Ash a sight of goal, but the striker failed to make the most of the opportunity, allowing Dover to reach the break with their narrow advantage intact.

Dover carried their threat into the second half, maintaining a high line and catching Bath offside twice in quick succession as the Romans struggled to build momentum. Nikaj was again inches away from doubling the lead just before the hour, dragging wide when well placed after good work down the flank.

Bath’s best spell came midway through the half, forcing Dover to dig deep. A corner almost crept in at the near post, with Walker relieved to see the effort crash back off the woodwork and away to safety. As pressure mounted, Leberl turned to his bench, introducing Matthews for his first appearance since Boxing Day, and the change nearly paid instant dividends. Within minutes, Matthews met a half-cleared corner and rattled the underside of the crossbar, drawing a collective gasp from the home crowd.

The final stages were played largely in Dover territory, with the Whites throwing bodies on the line and defending with real determination. A late Dover lapse saw substitute Jenkins Davies played through by Ruben Soares-Junior, but Walker reacted superbly to block with his feet and preserve the lead. At the other end, Baptiste was denied in the dying moments as Wiles-Richards made a smart save.

Six minutes of added time tested nerves, and Walker was booked for time-wasting as Bath pressed for an equaliser, but Dover held firm. When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a valuable clean-sheet victory, a first league win in six and a reward for a committed, disciplined display.

Dover now turn their attention to a tough midweek trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday night, before returning to league action next weekend at AFC Totton, with renewed confidence and momentum after an important afternoon at Crabble.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Beadle, Sodje, Cocoracchio, Hanson, Baptiste, Sheriff, Coker (Matthews 72mins), Nikaj (Soares-Junior 89mins). Subs not used: Sesay, Gurung, Mensah, Wilkinson, Mampolo.

Bath City: Wiles-Richards, Raynes, Greenslade, Batten, Parselle, Alves, Ash (Fisher 64mins), Tillson (Sheppard 82mins), Russe (Jenkins Davies 64mins), Bowman (Beardmore 84mins), Windsor (Putman 57mins). Subs not used: Binns, Sweeten.