Dover Athletic suffered a frustrating 3-1 defeat against Carshalton Athletic at the Megger Community Stadium, despite controlling large portions of the match and creating multiple chances.

The match began with Dover on the front foot, controlling possession and looking the more dangerous side. Francis Mampolo had an early opportunity in the eighth minute, but his effort was well saved by Carshalton goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley.

Dover continued to press, with an audacious long-range volley narrowly missing the target in the 17th minute. The home side looked particularly threatening from set-pieces, with George Nikaj heading just wide in the 21st minute and Luke Baptiste also going close two minutes later.

Despite their dominance, Dover found themselves behind against the run of play in the 42nd minute. A cutback into the penalty area saw David Smith’s initial attempt blocked, but he reacted quickly to slot home from close range, giving Carshalton a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Dover had a golden opportunity to level the score early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute. Luke Baptiste stepped up to take it, but his low strike to Foley’s left was brilliantly saved by the Carshalton keeper, denying the Whites a crucial equaliser.

Carshalton doubled their lead in the 69th minute, capitalising on Dover’s attacking intent. Smith turned provider, beating his marker on the left and squaring the ball for Mason Saunders-Henry, who calmly slotted past Jordan Gillmore to make it 2-0.

Six minutes later, the visitors put the game beyond reach as Joshua Shonibare managed to squeeze the ball into the bottom corner from a tight angle, leaving Dover trailing 3-0.

Dover made a series of substitutions to try and change the game, but they could only manage a late consolation goal. In the 89th minute, Baptiste finally got his reward for a determined performance, finding the net to ensure the match ended 3-1.

Despite having numerous opportunities throughout the match, Dover were left ruing their wastefulness in front of goal. The Whites dominated for large spells but lacked the cutting edge needed to capitalise on their superiority.

Dover Athletic:
27 Jordan Gillmore, 2 Roman Charles-Cook, 3 Fuad Sesay, 6 Luca Cocoracchio, 7 Luke Baptiste, 8 Alfie Matthews, 10 George Nikaj, 14 Ruben Soares-Junior, 24 Francis Mampolo, 16 Harrison Pont, 26 Jacob Mensah, 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 28 Kweku-Conrad Lucan, 23 George Wilkinson

Carshalton Athletic:
1 Mackenzie Foley, 2 Nathan Paul-Lavaly, 15 Luke Read, 6 Oluwafikayo Atewologun, 18 Abdul Sankoh, 16 Joshua Shonibare, 14 Fabio Camacho-Saraiva (C), 11 Mason Saunders Henry, 8 Kwaku Frimpong, 7 Sharon Ifeanyi, 9 David Smith, 19 Soul Kader, 10 Tommy Bradford, 13 Klevis Muca, 12 Darnell Goather-Braithwaite, 17 Sanchez Ming

Dover Athletic 1-3 Carshalton Athletic
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Venue: Crabble Athletic Ground
Attendance: 881
Referee: Steven Goldup