Report

A GOAL in each half saw Whites win at the 15th attempt in the National League.

Strikes from Kevin Lokko and sub Jai Reason handed Andy Hessenthaler his first league win since returning as manager.

And his side, currently bottom of the table, moved to within six points of safety.

The hosts fashioned the first chances.  Inih Effiong’s clever flick released Josh Passley, only for the right-back to see his fierce drive palmed away by visiting stopper Nick Hamann, with Joshua Debayo firing the rebound wide.

And Hamann kept Dover at bay once more moments later, turning behind Stuart Lewis’ volley from the edge of the area.

Whites then went closer still soon after.

A deep Lewis cross was met by Bobby-Joe Taylor, but Bromley loanee’s celebrations were cut short when seeing his header smack the inside of the post and away from danger.

Ayo Obileye almost made Lewis pay for giving the ball away, but the centre-back could only head Harold Otametey’s cross into Mitch Walker’s arms.

And Dover’s keeper performed heroics to keep the Magpies at bay again.

Ryan Bird’s persistence saw James Akintunde run through for a one-on-one with Walker, but Athletic’s stopper was out quickly to bravely block his effort.

And birthday boy Lokko will have been glad to see his keeper make such a crucial save has the defender opened the scoring on 37 minutes.

The 23-year-old rose highest to thump in Mitch Brundle’s free-kick to join his captain as joint top scorer for Whites in the National League with four goals.

Moussa Diarra almost doubled the home side’s lead minutes before the break with a backward header that Hamann was just able to fingertip around the post.

Adrian Clifton almost restored Parity after the restart, only for Walker to tip over his bullet header from James Comley’s corner.

And Comley tried himself, crashing a shot just past the wrong side of Walker’s post.

Taylor headed over Passley’s centre and with 20 minutes left, and Effiong’s lung-busting run was ended by Hamman’s smart save.

But the lead was doubled thanks to Reason’s first goal for Dover.  A swift counter-attack by Taylor was ended with a delightful 20-yard curling effort from the substitute into the top corner.

Debayo blazed Effiong’s cross wide and sub Josh Kelly jinxed his way past Diarra, only to see his near post effort smack the post.

And Reason almost capped off a fine evening for Dover, heading Passley’s fine cross wide.

Earlier, boss Hessenthaler made two changes to the side that started against Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday evening with Manny Adebowale handed a National League debut and Moussa Diarra returning from injury to replace Connor Essam and Kadell Daniel.

Whites next take a break from the National League when they travel to Bury for their Emirates FA Cup first round proper match on Saturday 10th November, kick-off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

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