Dover Royals 7–2 Ramsgate

Alkaline Stadium | Lunchtime Kick-Off

Dover Royals FC produced a dominant display at Alkaline Stadium, running out emphatic 7–2 winners after a fast and clinical performance.

The Royals started brightly, immediately on the front foot and forcing a succession of early corners, though the breakthrough was still to come.

It arrived in just the 4th minute. Leighton received the ball from a throw-in and delivered a superb first-time ball over the top to Joey, who powered home a first-time finish to give Royals a deserved early lead.

Royals continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage on 12 minutes. After Reggie cleared the ball to Alex, he turned his opponent brilliantly and threaded a lovely through ball to Joey. Despite a heavy first touch, Joey showed composure to regain control and fire home his second of the game.

Ramsgate briefly worked their way back into proceedings, earning a few free-kicks and corners, but the Royals defence stood firm.

On 20 minutes, Bailey was brought down on the halfway line. Preston delivered the resulting free-kick into the box, and Alex reacted quickest to pounce and make it 3–0.

Just three minutes later, Ramsgate were handed a lifeline after a couple of scuffed clearances allowed their number 20 to slot home and reduce the deficit to 3–1.

The second half began in perfect fashion for Royals. In the 33rd minute, Louis fed Bailey, who found Alex driving towards goal. Alex slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Thomas, who finished confidently to make it 4–1.

On 41 minutes, Preston launched one of his trademark long throws into the box. Bailey, falling under pressure, managed to knock the ball into Thomas’ path, and he turned sharply before calmly slotting home for 5–1.

The sixth goal arrived on 44 minutes. Joey swung in a superb corner, Preston controlled and volleyed goalwards. Amid some controversy over whether the ball had crossed the line, the referee awarded the goal — and on reflection, it was the correct decision. 6–1.

In a real show of sportsmanship, with Royals coaches initially unsure about the decision, Ramsgate were allowed to pull one back shortly after, bringing the score to 6–2.

There was still time for one more. In the closing minutes, Joey found Alex, who delivered a lovely first-time through ball to Thomas. He made no mistake, cannoning the ball home to complete his hat-trick and seal a superb 7–2 victory.

A fantastic team performance, full of quality, composure, and character.