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Dover Athletic 0 Bath City 1

Nicky Forster received a warm welcome from the Dover Athletic fans.
Nicky Forster received a warm welcome from the Dover Athletic fans.

Dover Athletic's hopes of repeating their FA Cup heroics of last season were dashed by a 1-0 home defeat to Bath City.

The visitors sealed their spot in the hat for the first round proper thanks to a second-half goal from Andy Gallinagh.

His back post header on the rebound crept in after Dover keeper Mikhail Jaimez-Ruiz had tipped a corner onto the crossbar.

Dover failed to create any real chances on a frustrating afternoon at Crabble which saw Bath contain the home side for much of the game.

Glen Southam spurned a chance in the first half for the home side after a clever header across goal from George Purcell.

Gallinagh put Bath ahead just after half time and despite a host of changes from Dover boss Nicky Forster, Whites could do little to get back into the tie.

Manager Forster (pictured) admitted he was disappointed to bow out of the cup, but felt the visitors deserved their win.

He said: "It's a shame to go out of the competition, but it's the manner of the defeat that hurts most.

"We huffed and puffed with very little cutting edge and we didn't look to hurt Bath much or get plenty of decent service up to our front two.

"We didn't move the ball quick enough or create the tempo we needed. On reflection, there was a good opportunity to win this tie and go further in the competition, but we weren't at our best today."

What now for Dover after an early cup exit? Are they realistic promotion contenders this season? Tell us your views below.

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