Report

WHITES were unable to break down 10-man Havant as Saturday’s National League clash ended in a goalless draw.

Defender Chris Robertson was a shown a red card in the first half for a second bookable offence.

However, Andy Hessenthaler’s side were unable to convert any of their chances and were grateful to debutant right-back Danny McNamara, who signed on loan from Millwall earlier this week, for heading a goalbound effort off the line in injury time.

Earlier, in a quiet first fifteen minutes, Mitch Brundle’s deflected effort over the bar was the only chance of note for either side.

Matt Paterson headed wide from Jack James’ lofted ball into the area.

The home side were reduced to 10 men on 36 minutes when Robertson was given his marching orders for a tug on Jamie Allen’s shirt.

And Athletic almost made the extra man count within minutes of the red card.

Joshua Debayo’s cross was met by Jai Reason, but the midfielder could only direct his header off target.

Following the restart, Nortei Nortey was unable to convert McNamara’s cross, seeing his shot well blocked by the Havant defence.

Jai Reason did test Dudzinksi just moments later.

The attacker found himself through on goal, but his effort struck the home keeper in the chest and rebounded back off Reason and out for a goal kick.

Rory Williams’ corner evaded everyone, appearing the strike the crossbar before Dover were able to clear.

Kevin Lokko then headed Brundle’s corner narrowly over and the same player nodded Stuart Lewis’ ball into Dudzinski’s hands.

There was then a heart in mouth moment for visiting keeper Mitch Walker and sub Bobby-Joe Taylor.

A poor clearance from Dover’s stopper and a heavy touch from Taylor gave Fogden a free shot on goal from an angle, however, Scott Doe was on hand to collect the ball before it rolled over the line.

Walker then spilt Tyler Frost’s low drive, however, collected the ball at the second attempt.

Man-of-the-match McNamara was then in the right place to head away Havant’s injury-time corner off the line and at the other end Dudzinski’s saved sub Alfie Pavey’s low drive to ensure the score ended in a stalemate as Athletic extended their unbeaten league run to six matches.

Boss Hessenthaler made one change to the side that started in the home match against Bromley last week.  McNamara started in place of the suspended Bedsente Gomis.

Whites next host Gateshead in the National League on Saturday 2nd February, kick-off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

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