MATCH REPORT: DOVER 4 – 1 WATFORD

A dominant second-half display sealed victory for Dover in their penultimate pre-season fixture after the game was pushed back 30 minutes due to Watford’s delayed arrival due to a crash on the approach to the Dartford Crossing.

Dominic Hutchinson gave Watford the lead midway through the first half before Ricky Miller equalised for the penalty spot. Shortly after Ben Williamson put Whites in front before Travis Gregory doubled the lead with just over 15 minutes left.

Whites were gifted a fourth late on through an own goal.

Aaron Cosgrave thought he had given Whites an early lead when he was able to tap the ball in from a yard after great play by Ricky Miller who beat the challenge of three players, however, the referee called it back for offside.

Ben Williamson then forced the Watford keeper into a save, with a speculative effort from outside the box.

Kane Crichlow almost gave The Hornets the lead a quarter of an hour into the game but couldn’t get on the end of a ball across the goal line.

Watford did take the lead shortly after when Hutchinson smashed home from inside the six-yard box after Whites failed to clear.

Miller almost equalised straight away for Dover, however after finding space at the edge of the area, his shot curled just over the bar.

Kamil Conteh almost doubled Watford’s lead from a free-kick which looked to be curling into the top corner. However, Josh Bexon did well to deny the Watford youngster.

Whites came out determined in the second half and equalised five minutes into the second half when Miller stroked the ball into the bottom left corner.

Almost immediately after, Dover was ahead after a defensive error from the Watford goalkeeper allowed Williamson to strike into an open net from 40 yards out.

TJ Bramble almost got in on the act after this. After picking up the ball from a parried Miller shot, the second half substitute shot from the edge of the box, however, the ball was pulled just wide.

Gregory sealed it with just over 15 minutes to go, doing well to meet a great cross into the box slotting it into the net, giving the Watford stopper no chance.

Gregory continued looking dangerous as Whites were gifted a fourth after the wingers cross was deflected in off a Watford head.