Dover Athletic capped off a resilient season with a commanding 2–0 victory over Dartford in the Isthmian League Premier Division Play-off Final, earning their return to the National League South after just a single season away. On a blustery afternoon, Jake Leberl’s men absorbed early pressure before asserting dominance in the second half, with goals from Ruben Soares-Junior and Alfie Matthews sealing the deal in front of a raucous travelling support.

Dartford opened with intensity and intent, spurred on by a passionate Princes Park crowd. Within the opening minutes, they forced a series of corners and free-kicks, targeting Dover’s aerial vulnerability. George Whitefield headed over from an early corner, and Callum Jones combined effectively with Olly Box, causing the Dover defence some early jitters.

Dover, meanwhile, took time to settle. Their first real foray came via Luke Baptiste, whose darting run behind the Dartford backline in the 17th minute drew a professional foul from Whitefield. The referee brandished only a yellow, to the fury of Dover players and fans alike. Alfie Matthews, fresh from his heroics in the semi-final, saw the resulting free-kick comfortably gathered by Jacob Marsden.

Despite Dartford’s territorial advantage, they lacked the cutting edge. Shots from Carruthers, Olopade, and Box were repelled by a disciplined Whites back line, where Jacob Mensah and Luca Cocoracchio shone. Mitch Walker, ever-reliable in goal, was tested only sporadically. It was, ultimately, a half of pressure without penetration.

The second period opened with a shift in momentum. Dover began to attack with greater urgency, buoyed by the end change and their vocal contingent of supporters. Baptiste flashed a dangerous ball across goal, narrowly avoiding a connection.

Their breakthrough arrived on 57 minutes. A melee in the box following a quick passage of passing saw George Nikaj hauled down. Penalty. Soares-Junior stepped up and, with nerves of steel, dinked a cheeky Panenka down the middle to give Dover the lead, sparking wild celebrations in the away end.

Dartford responded with substitutions and a renewed offensive effort, but Dover’s defensive wall proved near-impenetrable. Tennent and Mensah continued to marshal the back line with confidence, while Walker produced two stunning saves in the 83rd minute — first parrying Box’s rocket and then smothering a follow-up effort from Bullas.

As the hosts pressed in desperation, space opened for Dover to counter. In the 86th minute, Soares-Junior was cynically upended by the onrushing Marsden, who saw yellow. From the resulting free-kick, Dartford failed to clear, and Alfie Matthews timed his run perfectly to meet the second ball with a looping header that nestled inside the far post.

Dover’s second sent their supporters into delirium. Chants of “We are going up!” rang around the stadium as they expertly saw out the final moments, even surviving a late Dartford penalty appeal with calm assurance.

Dover’s second-half display showcased why they belong back in the National League South. A resolute back line, a composed midfield, and a pair of clinical forwards proved the difference on the day. Jake Leberl’s men were tactically astute and mentally resilient, characteristics that will serve them well as they re-enter Step Two of non-league football.

After the heartbreak of recent seasons, this was a triumph forged through grit, unity, and belief and the 600 travelling fans will remember it for a long time.

Dartford 0 – 2 Dover Athletic
Ruben Soares-Junior (57′ pen)
Alfie Matthews (87′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division Play-off Final
Attendance: 3,805
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Princes Park Stadium

Dartford:

1 Jacob Marsden, 3 Sam Odaudu, 5 Josh Hill, 6 George Whitefield, 7 Callum Jones, 8 Denzelle Olopade, 11 Olly Box, 16 Sam Okoye, 4 Samir Carruthers, 27 Michael Olarewaju, 32 Hayden Bullas SUBS: 21 Eddie Dsane, 17 Luther Williams, 25 Louis Dunne, 19 Tyler Christian-Law, 28 Jeremiah Pinder

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