Dover Athletic 2 Salisbury 0 match report: Goals from defender Jalen Jones and striker George Nikaj make it three Whites National League South victories from three despite substitute Luke Baptiste missing stoppage-time penalty

Dover made it three straight National League South wins as they saw off Salisbury at home on Saturday.

Defender Jalen Jones put Jake Leberl’s team into a half-time advantage and, while they had to work hard to maintain that lead, striker George Nikaj ensured it finished 2-0 to the home team.

Substitute Luke Baptiste could have added a stoppage-time third but failed to convert his penalty.

The hosts created the first chance inside the first two minutes when midfielder Alfie Matthews dragged Nikaj’s right-wing cutback narrowly wide of Salisbury keeper William Buse’s right-hand post.

Nine minutes later, Dover threatened on the counter-attack at Crabble.

Nikaj did well to win the ball off Matt Briggs and fed Francis Mampolo, who laid off for Decarrey Sheriff. But his effort was deflected over.

The visitors had looked comfortable in possession, albeit it was clear to see why they are yet to score this season due to a lack of a cutting edge in front of goal.

On the half-hour mark, Salisbury made their first opportunity as young winger Evander Grubb cut inside and sent a 20-yard effort over Mitch Walker’s crossbar.

But Athletic finally made one of many first-half corners count in the 32nd minute. Matthews took the set-piece short and crossed for centre-back Jones, 26, who bundled home from close range for his first club goal.

The away team appealed for offside but that merely resulted in one of their players getting cautioned by referee Daniel Barnes.

Brian Dutton’s men also were forced into a first-half switch, which saw Briggs hobble off after he was challenged by Dover defender Fuad Sesay and ex-Football League forward Matty Taylor came on for him.

Indeed, Taylor almost made an instant impact, heading over a left-wing