WHITES suffered their first defeat of pre-season, conceding the only goal of the game in injury time on Wednesday night in Essex.

With time running out, City substitute Amos Nasha fired into an empty net after visiting keeper Mitch Walker (Pictured) had parried an initial Chelmsford effort.

Chris Kinnear’s men almost took an early lead as Anthony Jeffrey’s cross-cum-shot fell at the feet of Kevin Lokko, but the big defender was unable to convert at the back post.

Mitch Brundle then took aim from range for Dover but dragged his 25-yard effort wide.

Moments later, a visiting triallist fired towards the Chelmsford goal, only for Ross Worner, on loan from Sutton for the season, to parry clear.

And it was the home side who were denied an opening goal on the half-hour mark.

Rob Swaine’s volley appeared destined for the top corner, however, Connor Essam reacted brilliantly to head the ball over his own crossbar.

Following the restart, substitute Kadell Daniel forced Worner into another smart save with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

And another triallist burst through 20 minutes from time, only to be denied by Worner once more.

But it was the hosts who won the match late on in a game of few chances.

Whites host League One Gillingham on Saturday 21st July.  Kick off 3 pm.

WHITES:  Walker, Passley, Essam (Adebowale 45), Lokko, Triallist, Fazakerley, Brundle(c) (Triallist 45), Gomis (Triallist 45), Jeffrey (Triallist 45), Effiong (Triallist 45), Allen (Daniel 45).