Dover Athletic delivered a commanding performance to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Lewes at the Dripping Pan, maintaining their push at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division. The visitors wasted no time asserting themselves, with George Nikaj opening the scoring in the 8th minute. A perfectly timed cross from Ruben Soares-Junior found Nikaj, who expertly directed a header past the Lewes goalkeeper into the bottom corner. Moments later, Soares-Junior added a goal of his own, converting neatly to double Dover’s lead by the 11th minute.
The Whites continued to dominate the first half, pinning Lewes back and creating a string of opportunities. They were denied a third goal in the 22nd minute when the Lewes defence made a great goal line clearance. However, Dover’s persistence paid off just before the break when Luke Baptiste calmly slotted home a penalty after a foul in the box, sending the visitors into halftime with a deserved 3-0 lead.
After the interval, Lewes responded with renewed determination. Their efforts were rewarded in the 60th minute when Danny Bassett pounced on a rebound to pull one back for the hosts. This goal gave Lewes a glimmer of hope, and they began to press forward in search of a second. Despite the home side’s increased intensity, Dover’s defence held firm. Walker made several key saves to prevent Lewes from gaining further momentum, ensuring Dover maintained control of the match.
As the second half progressed, Dover managed the game expertly, using substitutions to keep the energy levels high and protect their lead. Although Lewes applied late pressure, Dover’s resilience and discipline saw them through to full-time, securing an important victory.
This win strengthens Dover’s position at the top of the table, and they will now turn their attention to next Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash against Cray Valley at The Megger Community Stadium, where another strong performance could solidify their title aspirations.
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 606
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: The Dripping Pan
Lewes: 1. Toby Bull, 2. Jerry Puemo, 4. Matt Warren, 5. Ethan Kaiser, 6. Marcus Sablier, 7. Danny Bassett (C), 8. Hamilton Antonio, 9. Gianluca Botti, 11. Tolu Ladapo, 17. Calvin Ekpiteta, 19. Marcel McIntosh SUBS: 10. Eddie Allsopp, 12. Nabeel Ghannam, 14. Shae Hutchinson, 15. Maliq Morris, 20. Ben Mundele.
Dover Athletic: 1. Mitch Walker (C), 2. Roman Charles-Cook, 3. Fuad Sesay, 6. Luca Cocoracchio, 7. Luke Baptiste, 10. George Nikaj, 14. Ruben Soares-Junior, 16. Harrison Pont, 23. George Wilkinson, 24. Francis Mampolo, 26. Jacob Mensah SUBS: 4. Jeremiah Gyebi, 5. Joe Tennent, 9. Eniye Amgbaduba, 15. Tamas Amgbaduba, 8. Alfie Matthews.