Home   Dover   Sport   Article

Dover Athletic 2 Wrexham 1 Vanarama National League match report

Dover won their fifth consecutive game after beating Wrexham in the Vanarama National League at Crabble on Saturday.

Ricky Miller and Toby Ajala scored the goals which see boss Chris Kinnear's side move up a place to third - and a season's-best crowd of 1,253 was there to see it.

Miller had Dover's first effort on goal in the eighth minute, seeing his curling effort from just outside the box easily gathered by goalkeeper Cameron Belford.

Dover manager Chris Kinnear
Dover manager Chris Kinnear

Play was then held up for five minutes while running repairs were made to a broken goalnet after Miller shot's hit the side netting.

Jack Parkinson went close to giving Whites the lead moments after play restarted when his header from Ajala's corner cannoned against the bar.

Mitch Walker was called into action for the first time, diving low to save from Connor Jenkins after a swift counter attack by the visitors.

Parkinson then cleared off the line before captain Jamie Grimes produced a great last-gasp tackle as Joseph Quigley shaped to shoot.

After surviving that bit of Wrexham pressure, Dover responded up the other end courtesy of Miller's fourth goal of the season in the 31st minute. Grimes headed Nicky Deverdics' free-kick goalwards and Miller added the finishing touch.

But Wrexham were back on level terms seven minutes later from the penalty spot after Grimes had tangled with Jennings. Jennings got up and sent Walker the wrong way much to the delight of the 80 or so travelling fans.

The second half was only three minutes old when Aswad Thomas saw his effort from Deverdics' corner cleared off the line.

But Whites did hit the lead in the 51st minute when Ajala turned home Richard Orlu's pass after the Wrexham defence had backed off.

It was the former Torquay United winger's first goal for Whites.

Walker preserved Dover's lead by producing a stunning reflex save to keep out a close-range header from Sean Newton before Jennings fired the rebound wide.

Substitute Ricky Modeste looked as though he would increase the lead after his break from halfway before Jamal Fyfield produced a great tackle with only Belford to beat.

That proved to be closest Dover came to scoring again - but the damage had already been done.

Dover: Walker, Orlu, Grimes, Raggett, Thomas, Parkinson, Deverdics, Gibbs, Ajala (Modeste 71mins), Miller (Murphy 68mins), Payne. Subs not used: Ofori-Acheampong, Sterling, Rafferty. Attendance: 1,253.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More