Dover Athletic’s FA Trophy campaign came to an early end after a 2-0 defeat to Sittingbourne in the Isuzu FA Trophy First Round at the Megger Community Stadium. The home side, reduced to ten men early on, struggled to overcome the numerical disadvantage and ultimately fell to two goals from their Kent visitors.

Dover made one change from their midweek victory against Hashtag United, with Claudio Boakye-Sarfo stepping in as goalkeeper for the injured Mitch Walker. However, it was the red card to Roman Charles-Cook in the 15th minute that set the tone for a frustrating afternoon. Charles-Cook was dismissed for a challenge, leaving Dover with a mountain to climb after a promising start.

The hosts began brightly, pressing high and testing the Sittingbourne defense. George Nikaj had the first real chance of the match in the 12th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved. Despite the early pressure, Dover’s momentum was disrupted by the red card, and Sittingbourne capitalised.

In the 38th minute, Sittingbourne took the lead when Mitchell May found the back of the net, finishing off a well-worked move. Dover nearly equalised just before halftime, but Nikaj saw his shot cleared off the line following a corner, leaving the hosts trailing 1-0 at the break.

The second half began with more frustration for Dover as assistant manager Mike Sandmann was shown a red card during the interval. Dover continued to fight, with Nikaj and Baptiste both coming close to leveling the score, but Sittingbourne’s defense held firm.

As Dover pushed for an equaliser, they were caught out again in the 78th minute. Codey Cosgrave’s free-kick doubled Sittingbourne’s lead, putting the game out of reach for the ten-man Dover side. Despite their best efforts, including a header from Soares-Junior that hit the crossbar, the home side couldn’t find a way back into the match.

Sittingbourne were too much for a Dover team that had shown spirit but were ultimately undone by the early sending-off and missed opportunities. Dover will now look to bounce back in their next fixture, a Kent Senior Cup clash against Cray Valley PM, but they will need to regroup after this disappointing exit from the FA Trophy.

Dover Athletic 0-2 Sittingbourne
Mitchell May (38′) Codey Cosgrave (78′)

Isuzu FA Trophy First Round
Attendance: 658
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Daniel D’urso

Dover Athletic: 13. Claudio Boakye-Sarfo, 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 5. Joe Tennent (C), 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 8. Alfie Matthews, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 16. Harrison Pont, 23. George Wilkinson. Subs: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 18. Henry Young, 24. Francis Mampolo.

Sittingbourne: 1. Harley Earle, 2. Donvieve Jones, 3. Henry Lukombo, 4. Ayman El-Mogharbel, 5. Liam Smith (C), 6. Chris Arthur, 7. Troy Howard, 8. Codey Cosgrave, 9. Mitchell May, 10. Ryan Kingsford, 11. Jay Beckford. Subs: 12. Graham Bagasan, 14. Jack Steventon, 15. Henry Sinai, 16. Joe Boachie, 17. Tony Martin.