Report

RICKY Miller scored twice as Dover ended a two-game losing run and moved back into the play-off places after beating Chester FC 3-1 at Crabble.

Joe Healy also scored his first goal for the club as boss Chris Kinnear’s side secured their first win at home since beating Woking by the same margin on November 22.

Dover started the day sixth but finished it fifth after regaining it from Barrow AFC following their defeat against Forest Green Rovers.

The first shot of the day saw Ross Lafayette’s effort easily saved by Chester goalkeeper, Walsall loanee Liam Roberts, in the opening minute.

The Blues leading marksman, James Alabi, had a shot charged down before the frontman fired well over Steve Arnold’s goal.

Alabi was proving a threat and missed a glorious chance to put his side ahead in the 22^nd minute, slicing Johnny Hunt’s cross wide from close range.

Dover responded with Lafayette’s run towards Roberts’ goal needing a superb last-ditch tackle by Ryan Lloyd to clear the danger.

There was to be no denying Dover taking the lead from the penalty spot moments later.

Miller was sent tumbling by Matty Waters and the National League’s leading scorer got up and sent Roberts the wrong way to bag his 26^th league goal.

But the lead lasted only three minutes courtesy of a sublime curling shot by Alabi.

Ricky Modeste went agonisingly close to restoring Dover’s lead 10 minutes before half-time seeing his cross-cum-shot beat Roberts and go inches past the woodwork.

The sides went into the break even – it didn’t stay that way for long.

Four minutes into the second half, Dover hit the lead again – thanks to Miller’s determination.

Miller brushed aside Blaine Hudson and beat the challenge of Theo Vassell to fire past Roberts.

Jack Parkinson fizzed a 20-yarder just wide before Healy added a third in the 58^th minute.

The former Maidstone midfielder, who was making his first National League start for Dover, hit a half-volley that flew past Roberts.

At the other end, Arnold saved Hudson’s close-range header before Vassell shot wide.

But there was to be no comeback as Dover avenged their 5-0 defeat at Chester earlier this season.

Earlier, boss Kinnear made three changes to his starting side from the loss at Lincoln City with Moses Emmanuel, Tyrone Sterling and James Hurst making way for Parkinson, Modeste and Healy.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

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