Sutton United 0

Dover Athletic 3 

(Dover win 4-1 on aggregate)

by Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Ten-man Dover Athletic are into the Conference South play-off final after a convincing 3-0 win over Sutton United at Gander Green Lane despite playing the majority of the game with a player less after captain Craig Stone was sent-off for a professional foul in the opening stages of the game.

Ricky Modeste bagged a brace either side of the interval to help the Whites to progress into their second successive play-off final.

The Whites were reduced to 10 men after just three minutes when Stone brought down Craig Dundas who was through on goal on the edge of the area. Stone was duly shown a straight red as he was the last man. 

From the resulting free-kick Michael Spillane hit the post, with the rebound bouncing off goalkeeper Mitch Walker and into the path of Marvin Williams who fired into the side netting from an acute angle.

Despite the early dismissal, the away side almost took the lead in the 23rd minute as Modeste’s corner found its way to Richard Orlu whose effort was cleared off the line and fell to Moses Ademola. He saw his shot brilliantly saved by U’s keeper Jason Brown.

Dundas then forced Walker into a fine stop from the edge of the penalty area but the sides went in at the break on level terms, with the Whites creating the better of the chances despite being a player short.

The visitors started the second half the brighter of the two teams, with Modeste in particular posing a threat on the right flank. 

But against the run of play Sinclair almost put United ahead as he collected Lee Sawyer’s pass on the edge of the area. His shot was well saved by Walker.

Substitute Jeff Goulding made an instant impact seconds after coming on as his flick-on from a throw-in fell into the path of Modeste who was clean through on goal and he fired past Brown to give his side a well-deserved lead.

The hosts almost equalised a minute later when the ball broke to Williams in the box but his goalbound effort was superbly blocked by Callum Davies. Then substitute Gavin McCallum poked an effort just over the bar as the home side looked for a way get back into the game but they wasted a decent set-piece chance as Scannell picked out Spillane who sliced a effort well-wide.

King went close with a effort from range with 15 minutes to go, but two quickfire goals sealed the win for the Whites, firstly Modeste poked home the rebound from close-range after Ademola had been denied by Brown then moments later it was three thanks to a wonderful solo effort from Ademola who skipped past King and slotted past the on-rushing Brown to take the away side into yet another play-off final.

The final whistle blew shortly afterwards for a brilliant win for the visitors who will travel to Stonebridge Road to contest the play-off final against Ebbsfleet United next Saturday.