Dover Athletic were beaten 2–0 by Maidstone United at the Megger Community Stadium in a tightly contested Kent derby, despite creating a number of chances and striking the woodwork twice in an entertaining encounter.

The Whites were handed a boost ahead of kick-off with the return of Jones from international duty, although Sheriff missed out through injury. Agbebi was named among the substitutes as Dover looked to respond following recent results.

It was Maidstone who threatened early, with Walker alert to gather a dangerous ball over the top inside three minutes. Dover quickly settled, however, and nearly took the lead on nine minutes. Baptiste’s corner delivery was met powerfully by Soares-Junior, whose header crashed back off the crossbar in a huge let-off for the visitors.

Moments later, Dover were left frustrated again as Nikaj saw an effort also come back off the woodwork, underlining a strong start from the hosts. Maidstone took the lead on 12 minutes. Court showed pace down the flank before cutting the ball back to Pattisson, whose deflected strike beat Walker at the near post to make it 1–0.

Dover responded well, continuing to apply pressure. Hanson fired from range and Wilkinson looked to unlock the defence with a well-weighted through ball, while Baptiste and Wilkinson combined well in attacking areas. Despite this, Maidstone’s defence held firm.

At the other end, Court remained a threat and Walker was called into action late in the half, producing a strong save to tip an effort over the bar. The Whites continued to push forward into added time but were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.

HT: Dover Athletic 0–1 Maidstone United

Dover came out with intent after the break and almost found an immediate equaliser. Charles-Cook’s long throw caused problems in the box, with Baptiste directing a header goalwards, but Holden was equal to it.

The Whites continued to rely on set-pieces and long throws to create pressure, but Maidstone stood firm defensively. Changes followed, with Gurung, Onu and Marjoram all introduced as Dover searched for a way back into the game.

Jones went close with a header from a wide free kick, while Soares-Junior and Nikaj both picked up bookings as the game became increasingly tense.

Maidstone continued to carry a threat on the counter, and Walker produced an outstanding double save midway through the half, first denying Gilbert before quickly recovering to stop Yila at the near post.

Dover pushed hard in the closing stages, throwing bodies forward and delivering a series of aerial balls into the box. There were loud appeals for a penalty when Soares-Junior was brought down following a fumble from the goalkeeper, but the referee waved play on.

As the clock ticked into added time, the Whites continued to press, but were ultimately caught out. Maidstone sealed the points in the 95th minute as Gilbert played through Tanga, who finished low under Walker to make it 2–0.

Despite a committed performance and chances created, Dover were left to rue missed opportunities and fine margins in front of goal.

FT: Dover Athletic 0–2 Maidstone United

Dover Athletic: 1 Walker (C), 2 Charles-Cook, 21 Mensah, 4 Jones, 15 Sodje, 6 Cocoracchio, 25 Hanson (Gurung 63’), 23 Wilkinson (Marjoram 74’), 7 Baptiste (Onu 67’), 14 Soares-Junior, 10 Nikaj
Subs not used: Sesay, Jallow, Agbebi, Boakye-Sarfo

Maidstone United: 13 Holden, 3 Hamblin, 4 Beeden, 5 Fowler, 6 Bramble, 7 Tanga, 8 Corne (C), 11 Yila, 17 Court, 20 Pattisson, 24 Foran
Subs: Harness, Sesay, Gilbert, Boruk, Mbogba, Kargbo, Berkeley-Agyepong