Dover Athletic claimed a well-earned 3-1 victory over Horsham at the Fusion Aviation Community Stadium, capitalising on second-half opportunities to secure three valuable points in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

The match kicked off with Dover making early inroads, nearly benefiting from an own goal when Horsham’s Jack Strange sliced a clearance just over his own crossbar following a dangerous cross by George Nikaj in the 8th minute. Dover continued to push forward, but Horsham’s defense held firm.

Horsham broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through a set-piece. Isaac Philpot flicked James Hammond’s corner into the net at the near post, marking his first goal for the Hornets and giving the home side a 1-0 lead. Horsham nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, with Ola’s deflected shot saved by Dover goalkeeper Mitch Walker in the 32nd minute.

Dover responded strongly and found their equaliser just before halftime. In the 44th minute, George Nikaj scored a near-identical goal to Horsham’s opener, heading in from a corner delivered by Wilkinson to level the score at 1-1. The teams went into the break on even terms, with both sides having shown glimpses of quality.

The second half saw a more dominant performance from Dover. In the 69th minute, a scrappy play in the Horsham penalty area saw the ball break kindly to Luke Baptiste, who slotted home to give Dover a 2-1 lead.

Horsham pushed for an equaliser, but Dover’s defense, marshaled by captain Mitch Walker, who made a stunning close-range save in the 78th minute, held firm. The visitors sealed their victory in the 81st minute with a swift counter-attack. Soares-Junior broke free after Horsham were caught upfield and coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1.

Despite Horsham’s efforts to mount a comeback, Dover remained solid at the back and saw out the game comfortably. The final whistle blew after six minutes of stoppage time, confirming a 3-1 win for Dover Athletic, who showcased a disciplined and clinical performance in the second half to secure all three points.

The win sees Dover continue their push up the Isthmian League Premier Division table after a fantastic Bank Holiday Weekend.

Horsham 1

Isaac Philpot (22′)

Dover Athletic 3

George NIKAJ  (44′)
Luke BAPTISTE  (69′)
Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR (80′)

Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 1,243
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Joshua Langley- Fineing
Venue: The Camping World Community Stadium

Horsham: 1 Lewis Carey, 4 Danny Barker, 5 Jack Strange, 6 Isaac Philpot, 7J ames Hammond (Captain), 8 Charlie Hester-Cook, 10 Daniel Ajakaiye, 11 Ola Ogunwamide, 16 Joel Daly, 19 Chris Dickson, 20 Lee Harding SUBS: 2 Tom Beere, 9 Shamir Fenelon, 12 Joe Turner, 15 John Brivio, 18 Reece Myles-Meekums

Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 4 Jeremiah GYEBI, 5 Joe TENNENT, 6 Luca COCORACCHIO, 7 Luke BAPTISTE, 10 George NIKAJ, 11 Lindell STEWART, 14 Ruben SOARES-JUNIOR, 23 George WILKINSON SUBS: 8 Alfie MATTHEWS, 9 Eniye AMGBADUBA, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 19 Jayden SILCOTT-BROWN, 20 Jaiden DRAKES-THOMAS