Another depressing afternoon for the Whites led to their run of defeats stretching to six in a row, but this was a game that Dover deserved to draw, if not win. Northwood only managed a couple of attacks in the game, and produced the perfect 'smash and grab' to take the points back with them.

The team changed slightly once again, but the major news was that the Whites had a new signing in the side. John Scarborough came straight into the centre of defence, and produced a magnificent, man-of-the-match winning display, to show that we are still attracting quality players to the club.

It was the new boy who helped set up the first chance of the game for the home side. Smidmore played a one-two with Scarborough, but keeper Rob Bullivant saved Shaun Welford's header. Although the Whites had the better of the opening exchanges, it was Northwood that took the lead, as Dover again conceded an early goal.

Only ten minutes were on the clock when Anthony Finn was allowed to take on, and beat, at least three men, and he crossed for Kevin Chadaodza to prod home.

The goal came against the run of play, and the Whites continued to press forward. Carruthers hit a free kick just over the bar, and Welford burst through the Northwood defence, only for Luke Evans to muscle him out. Although Dean Clark had an effort on target, it was Welford who again went close, as he headed a Smissen cross wide.

The best chance for Dover however came out of pure luck. Cloke lobbed a free kick from the halfway line, but Welford, Wilkins and the goalkeeper all missed the ball as they jumped in the area. The ball then bounced on the six-yard line and over the bar, when a smaller bounce would have seen the ball go under the bar for the equaliser.

The half continued in similar fashion, as the Whites continued to press. Carruthers ran down the wing and cut inside, but his cross just evaded the head of Welford. Then we were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty, as Cloke's cross clearly hit Stuart Reeks' hand, but the referee cannot have seen it, so the interval arrived with the visitors still ahead.

The second half began with Dover providing a spell of concerted pressure, though we were unable to create many clear-cut chances. When the Whites did come close to scoring, a number of challenges on the keeper Rob Bullivant were penalised by the referee. The home support believed he was making the most of the referee protecting him, especially when defenders Mark Dennison and Luke Evans seemed to be congratulating his acting efforts.

The attacking exploits of the home side left gaps in defence, and Hyde was forced to save a hopeful lob, and then push the rebound away from the incoming striker. Moments later, Gavin Hart found himself one-on-one with Hyde, but put the shot well wide.

Although Carruthers had a good shot blocked with ten minutes left, the final few chances fell to the visitors. Brian Fitzgerald saw a lob land just wide, then Hyde was forced to make two good saves in the space of a few minutes from Dean Clark to keep the score at just the single goal deficit. Dean Readings was unlucky with an injury time header, but the game ended, once again, in defeat for Dover.

This defeat spelt the end of Richard Langley's reign as Dover coach, but the more important news was that the club seems certain to need £23,000 within the next 30 days as part of the CVA repayments. Whilst many seem to believe that the choice of manager is the most important aspect of the club, there will not be a club to manage if this money cannot be generated, and so everyone who cares about this club needs to support as much as they can. Those that choose to stay away until they get the manager they want may find that there is not a club to come back to if they remain away from the Hoverspeed. 

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DOVER: Paul Hyde, Tom Hickman, Rob Smidmore (Dale Skelton, 30mins), Nick Humphrey, Dean Readings, John Scarborough, Michael Smissen (James Rogers, 81mins), Craig Cloke, Craig Wilkins (Chris Wright, 85mins), Shaun Welford, Matt Carruthers. Subs not used: Ricky Spiller, Pat Mullin. Bookings: Michael Smissen (59mins).

NORTHWOOD: Rob Bullivant, Steve Dell, Stuart Reeks, Mark Dennison, Luke Evans, Jonny Moore, Gavin Hart, Dean Clark, Kevin Chakoadza (Brian Fitzgerald, 77mins), Danny Yeoman, Anthony Finn (John Murphy, 85mins). Subs not used: Dean Papali, Gary Meakin, Dean Lindsay. Bookings: Stuart Reeks.
Att: 510.