Dover Athletic claimed a strong 2-0 victory over Whitehawk at The Enclosed Ground, continuing their defensive solidity with a third straight clean sheet in the Isthmian League Premier Division. From the outset, Dover looked to control the game, showing an attacking intent that kept Whitehawk pinned back for much of the match.
The first half saw Dover create several promising opportunities, with Soares-Junior and Sesay coming close but unable to break the deadlock. A big penalty shout in the 39th minute went unanswered after Sesay was brought down in the box, and despite Matthews’ dangerous free kick just before halftime, the sides went in level at 0-0.
Dover’s persistence paid off in the second half, as they ramped up the pressure with a series of corners and close calls. In the 68th minute, Luke Baptiste finally found the breakthrough, unleashing a powerful volley that gave Dover the lead. The goal galvanized Dover, who continued to press Whitehawk and limit their chances.
Whitehawk came close in the 79th minute, hitting the crossbar with a long-range effort, but Dover responded almost immediately. Just five minutes later, George Nikaj sealed the victory, heading in from close range to make it 2-0 with his 11th goal of the season. Soares-Junior nearly added a third, taking it around the goalkeeper only to see the keeper recover just in time to deny him.
Dover saw out the final minutes with composure, keeping Whitehawk at bay to secure a well-earned win. With 498 fans in attendance, Dover’s disciplined performance highlighted their growing momentum as they continue to move up the league standings, blending attacking prowess with defensive strength.
Whitehawk 0 – 2 Dover Athletic
Luke BAPTISTE (68′)
George NIKAJ (84′)
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 498
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Thomas Berry
Venue: The Enclosed Ground
Whitehawk: 1 Max Foulkes, 2 Will Seager, 3 Oscar Borg, 4 Emmanuel Mensah, 5 Connor Cody, 6 Henry Hawkins, 7 Greg Luer, 8 George Taggart, 9 Charlie Walker (C), 10 Kai Jennings, 11 Chris Whelpdale SUBS: 12 Jerry O’Sullivan, 14 Tarik Moore-Azille, 15 Charlie Lambert, 16 Tyrese Sutherland, 17 Gianluca Botti
Dover Athletic: 1 Mitch WALKER (C), 2 Roman CHARLES-COOK, 3 Fuad SESAY, 5 Joe TENNENT, 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, 18 Henry YOUNG, 15 Tamas AMGBADUBA, 24 Francis MAMPOLO