Dover Athletic booked their place in the Skrill Premier with a 1-0 victory over Ebbsfleet United on Saturday afternoon.

The game got of to a lively start with both sides exchanging early chances Ricky Modeste firing wide for Dover while Fleet’s Alex Osborn had an effort saved by Mitch Walker.

Daryl McMahon fired a free kick just over for the home side before play was broken up by a lengthy delay for treatment to Fleet keeper Preston Edwards who was hurt in a collision with Nathan Elder and Paul Lorraine challenging for a loose ball.

The keeper was able to continue with a heavily bandaged head once the physio had done his work. From that point the half become more tense and cautious with neither side wanting to make a mistake that could lead to key goal.

Late on Lorraine headed over for the home side, but as they rained poured down the sides went in tied at zero.

The second half began with Dover on top, Tom Wynter sent in a fierce cross that just evaded everyone in the six yard box, before Modeste had an effort tipped away by Edwards for a corner.

From the set piece Elder rose highest in the box and powerfully headed home to put Chris Kinnear’s side in front.

Sean Raggett headed just over soon after and Moses Ademola had an effort saved by Edwards and the visitors continued to press.

Ebbsfleet were allowed no time at all on the ball and their most creative outlet Anthony Cook was constantly doubled up on and driven inside rather that allowed to attack the wings.

Edwards was forced to tip a long ball over the bar as the wind blew a gale across the ground, before Fleet had their best chance of the game when Osborn shot narrowly wide when well placed from six yards out.

Raggett headed over twice for Dover while Cook was just off target with a free kick as was McMahon soon after for the home side. In injury time there was controversy when Dover kicked the ball out to allow Michael Thasalitis treatment to a knee injury, but Ebbsfleet failed to return the ball.

Dover continued to look stronger though and as the clocked ticked down Modeste, Ademola and Elder all tested Edwards while the closest Fleet came was a corner which saw every player fill the box, but it was eventually cleared and Ademola broke away narrowly missing the target from distance before the final whistle signalled Dover’s return to the Conference Premier after 12 years.

A remarkable achievement considering they only made the play offs with a late penalty on the final day of the league season.

FULL TIME: EBBSFLEET UNITED 0-1 DOVER ATHLETIC

 

Ebbsfleet United line up: Edwards, Howe, Lorraine, Huke, Palmer, Osborn (Long 71), McMahon, Corcoran, Cook, May, Bricknell (Thalassitis 64 (Sessegnon 90)).

Subs not used: Sankofa, Hall.

Dover Athletic line up: Walker, Stone, Wynter, Kinnear, Raggett, Orlu, Modeste (Forbes 90), Davies, Elder, Bellamy, Ademola.

Subs not used: Hook, Murphy, Rogers, Goulding.

Goals: Elder 55mins.

Match Rating:  4/5

Star Man: Ricky Modeste (Dover)

Referee: Mr  Pottage

 

Attendance: 4,294.

Pictures supplied by SM Harris.