Dover Athletic delivered a composed and professional performance at The Pilot Field to claim a 2-0 victory against Hastings United. First-half goals from Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj were enough to secure all three points.
The game began with Dover taking early control, capitalising on signs of nervousness from the hosts. A route-one attack nearly paid off in the 9th minute, but Luke Baptiste’s effort was blocked. Just five minutes later, Baptiste broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, capitalising on Dover’s dominance in the early stages. The visitors continued to press and were rewarded again in the 29th minute with a moment of brilliance. George Nikaj finished off a stunning team move, topping off Dover’s fluid and cohesive attacking play.
Hastings United made three changes at halftime in an effort to regain control of the game. They started the second half with renewed energy and created several opportunities, coming close in the 51st and 53rd minutes. Despite the pressure, Dover’s defence, stood strong. Gillmore made a crucial save in the 77th minute to deny Hastings at the near post, preserving his side’s clean sheet.
As Hastings pushed forward in the final stages of the match, Dover dropped deeper to protect their lead. A chaotic scramble in the 79th minute somehow kept the ball out of Dover’s net, as the visitors held firm against a wave of Hastings attacks. In the closing minutes, Dover expertly managed the game, soaking up pressure and ensuring their two-goal advantage remained intact.
The result solidifies Dover’s position at the top of Isthmian League Premier Division going into a congested period of fixtures, with Billericay up next at Crabble.
Hastings United 0-2 Dover Athletic
Scorers: Baptiste (14′), Nikaj (29′)
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,239
Venue: The Pilot Field
Hastings United: 1 Matt Kerbey, 2 Kane Penn, 3 George Walker, 4 Jack Dixon, 5 Finn O’Mara, 6 Sam Cruttwell, 7 Davide Rodari, 8 Ben Wells, 9 Will Harley, 10 Tommie Fagg, 11 Adam Lovatt (C) SUBS: 12 Kian Moynes, 14 Tom Howard, 15 Finley Chapman, 16 Freddie Legg, 17 Kyron McKay
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 (C), 13 George Wilkinson, 25 Charlie Naylor, 26 Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4 Jeremiah Gyebi, 5 Joe Tennent, 9 Eniye Amgbaduba, 15 Tamas Amgbaduba, 24 Francis Mampolo