Dover Athletic produced a resilient and clinical display in Essex to secure a huge three points, with Nikaj’s brace proving decisive against a Chelmsford side that dominated large spells of the game.

The Whites were forced into a change pre-match with Hanson missing out through injury, while Marjoram returned to the bench. Jake Leberl’s side set up with a solid back three of Jones, Beadle and Mensah, prepared for what quickly became a testing opening.

Chelmsford started on the front foot and pinned Dover back inside the opening five minutes, carving out a series of half chances that required a number of committed blocks from the visiting defence.

Adigun and Abrahams combined well early on, forcing Walker into action, before a warning sign arrived on 11 minutes when a clever ball over the top found Taylor, whose effort skimmed the crossbar.

Dover gradually grew into the contest and, after a first attacking move saw Charles-Cook just overhit a delivery towards Nikaj, the breakthrough arrived in stunning fashion on 18 minutes.

Nikaj controlled the ball superbly, teed it up and unleashed a powerful volley from range that flew in to give Dover the lead.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, with Gurung meeting a corner only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

Chelmsford continued to see plenty of the ball but, despite their possession, Walker was largely untroubled. The hosts came close again through Barbrook late in the half, while Sodje fired over following a long throw in stoppage time.

Dover went into the break ahead, with Nikaj’s moment of quality the difference.

The Whites made the perfect start to the second period, striking again just two minutes after the restart.

A long throw from Beadle caused problems in the Chelmsford box, with Cocoracchio showing strength to keep the ball alive before Nikaj reacted quickest to fire into the roof of the net from close range.

At 2–0, Dover looked in control and managed the tempo well. Wilkinson came close to extending the lead further on the hour mark, rattling the crossbar with a fierce effort.

Sodje also went close as Dover continued to threaten, but the game began to shift as Chelmsford pushed forward in search of a way back.

Their opportunity came on 72 minutes when a quick exchange between Taylor and Tamplin resulted in a penalty after Tamplin was brought down. Taylor stepped up and converted from the spot to halve the deficit.

From there, it became a test of Dover’s resolve. Chelmsford threw everything forward and thought they had equalised on 82 minutes, only for the referee to rule it out for a foul. At the other end, Dover had chances to seal the game, with Soares-Junior and Gurung both going close.

The closing stages were frantic, with eleven minutes of added time bringing wave after wave of pressure. Dover made late changes, introducing Baptiste, Sheriff and Matthews to help see the game out.

A succession of late corners were dealt with bravely by the Dover defence, who stood firm under intense pressure to secure a vital victory.

A huge win on the road for the Whites as they continue their push to secure their National League South status. Dover are on the road again on Tuesday night against Enfield Town.

Dover Athletic:
1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 16 Beadle, 4 Jones, 21 Mensah, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 23 Wilkinson, 18 Gurung, 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj
Subs: Baptiste, Matthews, Coker, Sheriff, Jallow, Mampolo, Marjoram

Chelmsford City:
24 Phillips (GK), 3 Barbrook, 5 Grimwood, 8 Odusanya (C), 16 Tompkins, 23 Adigun, 25 Adams, 27 Crowther, 33 Taylor, 39 Egbo, 42 Abrahams
Subs: Eastwood (GK), Ronan, Lapslie, Davis, Crichlow, Tamplin, Murphy