Feature picture, Tobias Braney escapes the close attention of two Dover defenders

Christmas came early for Dover when the home defence allowed former Cheshunt Youth player Ruben Soares Junior to dance along the bye line & put a low cross into the box for unmarked George Nikaj to slot home from close range. The visitors took command of the first half & despite high wind & driving rain they put the Cheshunt defence under plenty of pressure. Ravan Constable saved well tipping over from a spinning snap shot, and a second goal looked likely. It came from an error, Cheshunt dwelled too long making a decision passing out from defence, and an interception set Dover in possession in the Cheshunt half, three slick passes & a well weighted through ball saw Luke Baptiste running onto the ball in the area & plant a shot past the keeper. Dover had chances to add to their tally but didn’t take them.

Tommy Wood turns to start another Cheshunt attack

Cheshunt made changes for the second half and it made a difference, the calm passing & availability of Jack Munns released Jack Thomas & Sam Granville further forward & their industry put Dover on the back foot, Vas Vasiliou put Tobias Braney clear but his shot was well defended by a tackle from Cocoracchio.  A Sam Granville through ball saw Dover keeper Jordan Gilmore save at the feet of Lordon Akolbire, & Cocoracchio was again on hand to get in a tackle to thwart Cheshunt skipper Jack Thomas just as he pulled the trigger on a goal bound shot.
Dover looked dangerous on the break, but the Ambers defence looked equal to anything they had to offer now, the only second half concern a shot from a free kick on the edge of the area. The home side in the ascendency and pressuring Dover got their reward when a low cross from the right turned the away defence & substitute Uko Oji was on hand to fire home.

Jack Munns switches play to the left

Injury time became frantic for Dover as desperate clearances took precedence over passes, keeper Gilmore took a booking for time wasting with the ball in his hands, Surely an indirect free kick then ref?  Cheshunt fans urged their team forward in the final minutes. The second half performance deserved an equalising goal but time slipped by & the league leaders hung on for the away win.

Photos AmyEvePhotography,  more pictures available in the gallery here.