With both of his first choice centre-backs unavailable for selection, Bill Williams will probably be happy with a point away from home against Conference leaders Rushden & Diamonds. However, this is a game which Dover could have won, but they were denied by a late equaliser.

Dover started with nine of the eleven that disposed of Stevenage so comfortably last weekend. Stuart Munday, who suffered a depressed fracture to his cheek bone in last week's fixture, and Lee Shearer, who was suspended after collecting five yellow cards this season, were replaced by Jake Leberl and fit again Simon Beard.

Dover almost went behind after eight minutes when a lapse in defence let in De Souza, but the ball was scrambled away to safety. Paul Hyde then kept the scores level with a fine save from a powerful Darren Collins shot on 17 minutes.

Rushden's best effort of the half came on 25 minutes when De Souza's shot beat Hyde but hit the post and rebounded in to the Dover keeper's arms.

Diamonds had obviously done their homework and tried to prevent the Dover midfield from getting into the match. At times however they over-stepped the mark trying to keep Wormull, Le Bihan and Clarke under control. After 35 minutes Le Bihan had to leave the pitch after having his arm broken by an over zealous challenge.

The teams went in at half time with the score 0-0 despite Rushden having the better of the chances. After the break Whites took the lead slightly against the run of play when Steve Brown's left wing cross found Dave Clarke six yards out. Clarke converted the opportunity for his second goal of the season, after 51 minutes. Dover could have doubled their lead five minutes later. This time Clarke was the provider, cutting the ball back for Brown who shot narrowly wide.

Rushden became more anxious as the half went on, they presurised the Dover defence but the Whites were equal to the challenge and withstood everything the unimaginative Diamonds could throw at them. In the 80^th minute Paul Underwood launched a blistering 25-yard effort at goal that was magnificently saved by a flying Paul Hyde in the Dover goal.

Seven minutes later, Dover conceded a free kick on the edge of the area. Underwood blasted the ball into the net and Rushden were level.

Rushden continued to throw everything at Dover in an attempt to take all three points but despite seven minutes of injury time they were unable to grab a second and in the end the draw was a fair result.

Bill Williams will have been pleased by his side's battling performance against "the Manchester United of non-league football", but with Le Bihan's injury and Wormull and Clarke both having limped off as well, he will have a midfield selection headache for next Sunday's visit of Forest Green Rovers.

Athletic's unbeaten run now stretches back seven matches and the march up the table continues. With a home fixture against bottom club Forest Green next weekend there is every chance that things will get even better.

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