Dorchester Town’s FA Trophy campaign ended in Kent as two second-half goals saw Dover Athletic progress to the third round.
The first half was evenly matched, with Dorchester holding their own but relying on several excellent saves from goalkeeper Gerard Benfield to keep the scores level at the break.
Dover eventually broke through on the hour mark when Kenny Coker tapped in a rebound from close range. Siju Odelusi doubled the lead in the 81st minute, finishing another close-range chance after Francis Mampolo’s deflected effort dropped into his path.
Manager Tom Killick made three changes from the goalless draw with Chertsey, bringing in Matt Buse, Tom Smith, and Jaydn Crosbie, while Ieuan Turner and Luke Roberts returned to the squad and joined Joe Parker, Marcus Daws, and Luke Pardoe on the bench.
Dorchester created early opportunities, with Crosbie forcing a save from Gillmore, while Benfield denied chances at the other end, including efforts from Ruben Soares-Junior, Luke Baptiste, Coker, and Mampolo. Benfield’s standout moment came late in the first half when he tipped Soares-Junior’s header around the post.
Smith tested Gillmore with a free-kick early in the second half, and Benfield produced a brilliant double save to thwart Coker before eventually being beaten on the rebound. Dorchester pushed for an equaliser through Wayne Robinson and Daws, but neither could find a way past Gillmore.
Dover sealed the result nine minutes from time through Odelusi, and only more strong saves from Benfield—twice denying George Nikaj—prevented a wider scoreline.
