Sean Francis' second-half equaliser earned Dover a point at fellow strugglers Southport in the Vanarama Conference.

Dover started the game well, opening the scoring in just the second minute when Stefan Payne headed home a fine Tom Murphy cross.

However the lead didn't last for long as Southport hit back, levelling the scores nine minutes later courtesy of John Marsden deflected effort.

And it got even worse for the Whites six minutes later when Joe Connor headed home on 17 minutes to put the home side 2-1 up.

And that was how it stayed until the 70th minute when Dover substitute Francis netted, heading home from a corner.

The result moved Dover above Altrincham and into 19th spot, two points clear of the drop zone.