Report

CONNOR Essam’s first-half equaliser saw Whites end run of four consecutive National League defeats against Kent rivals Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night.

The defender headed in Mitch Brundle’s free-kick to cancel out Darren McQueen’s early goal.

Ebbsfleet almost opened the scoring early on, Myles Weston’s cross-cum-shot narrowly clearing the crossbar.

But the visitors were not to be denied an opening goal and took the lead on 12 minutes.

McQueen skipped past Moussa Diarra, with his shot from the edge of the area deflecting off Tim Schmoll’s foot and skidding under the body of the diving Mitch Walker.

Brundle’s aim was too high after latching onto Moussa Diarra’s knock down.

Dean Rance then connected powerfully to Jack Powell’s corner, but his header was just off target.

And Athletic made their opponents pay for that missed chance with the leveller on 34 minutes.

Essam stole a march on Jack King to nod in his second goal of the season from Brundle’s set piece.

Nortei Nortey tried to put Dover ahead but fired George Smith’s assist tamely at away keeper Nathan Ashmore.

Following the restart, substitute Sam Magri headed downwards and wide from Weston’s cross.

And in a half of few chances, Sean Shields’ whipped strike almost caught Walker out but found the side netting.

Sub Inih Effiong’s shot didn’t quite match his surging run from deep and at the other end of the pitch, Fleet sub Danny Kedwell headed Shield’s ball inches above the crossbar.

And Smith almost won the game for Whites in injury time.

The Chesterfield loanee saw his strike palmed away by Ashmore after Chris Bush had ended Josh Passley’s lung-busting run with the ball running for the left back to strike the ball on goal.

Earlier, boss Kinnear made two changes to the side that started against Barnet on Saturday.  Tobi Sho-Silva and Moussa Diarra replaced Kevin Lokko and Ntumba Massanka.

Dover next travel to Chesterfield on Saturday 8th September, kick-off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

EBBSFLEET UNITED REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

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