Hampton & Richmond moved into 7th in the National League South with their 1-0 win against Dover Athletic. With a game in hand on the teams around them, the Beavers are in a strong position to secure a playoff spot. 

After an even first half and a slow start to the second half, it took a corner for the Beavers to break the deadlock. Sam Deadfield put the ball to the back post where man-of-the-match, Isaac Pitblado, drilled his header into the net.  

In addition to the winning goal, Pitblado also made a crucial intervention in the Beavers’ box after a fast Dover break.   

Early in the game, Jordan Thomas and Sam Deadfield combined down the left wing only for Thomas’s shot to hit the crossbar and go out for a corner. The Beavers’ players and crowd yelled for a handball on the corner, but the referee quickly waved the complaints away.  

The Beavers then had two more chances cleared off the line by Matthew Rowley and the Dover defence.  

The away side found the most joy in the final 10 minutes of the first half. The best chances fell to forward Luke Baptiste who just couldn’t find the final product.  

Dover were resolute in defence for most of the match. Charlie Naylor was particularly impressive as it appeared his sole task was to keep his sights on Mason Bloomfield. However, on a day of few shots on target, Pitblado’s 63rd minute goal was enough for all 3 points. 

Hampton & Richmond head to St Albans City on Tuesday for their second to last game of the season while relegated Dover Athletic head to Truro City.