Dover’s play-off hopes were dented by a heavy 4-0 home loss to struggling Staines in Blue Square Bet South on Saturday.

Two goals in each half condemned Whites to a defeat which was a fair reflection of the game at Crabble.

Whites boss Nicky Forster (pictured) was forced into a late change when the returning Terry Dixon hurt his knee in the pre-match warm up and was replaced by Rob Edmans, who joined the club on loan from Dagenham on Thursday.

The home side thought they had taken a early lead when the prolific Billy Bricknell had the ball in the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Staines made the most of the decision and went ahead after 23 minutes when David Wheeler scored past Whites keeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz.

The visitors double their lead seven minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, following a foul in the box by Shane Huke, and Will Antwi made no mistake from the spot.

Staines were looking the better side as Whites had problems keeping possession of the ball, and Forster decided to bring Jemal Johnson for Donovan Simmonds at the break in an attempt to get back into the game.

Although the home side saw an effort headed off the line, it was Staines who looked the most likely to score again.

With six minutes left substitute Ali Chabaan broke clear and fired the ball into the corner past Jaimez-Ruiz.

Chabaan then completed the scoring when he rounded Jaimez-Ruiz for the fourth.

How big a blow as the Staines defeat? Leave your comments below.