Dover debutant’s delight shocks Sol Campbell’s Southend in the FA Cup

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

Ruel Sotiriou scored a late winner on his Dover debut to stun Southend 1-0 in the first round of the FA Cup and condemn Sol Campbell to a fourth straight defeat as Shrimpers boss.

The striker, who signed on loan from Leyton Orient earlier this month, netted a superb solo effort with five minutes to go to send the National League side through to the second round at the expense of League One strugglers Southend.

Dover deserved their win, having dominated the match in terms of possession and chances created.

Southend’s winless streak has stretched to 10 games, with former FA Cup winner Campbell still looking for a first victory since taking charge last month.

In the first half, Dover midfielder Jai Reason forced Shrimpers goalkeeper Nathan Bishop into a good save and the midfielder also fired over in the second period.

Substitute Nassim L’Ghoul nearly broke the deadlock for the non-league side with 15 minutes to play, but the Frenchman’s close-range header from Aaron Simpson’s cross was straight at Bishop.

But the underdog’s winner eventually came as substitute Sotiriou ran down the right and finished into the opposite corner, sparking wild celebrations at the Crabble Athletic Ground.