RICKY Miller’s third hat-trick of the season secured 10-man Dover a sensational win at National League newcomers Solihull Moors on Saturday.

Miller struck three times in the second half as boss Chris Kinnear’s side turned a 1-0 deficit at half-time into a memorable victory in the West Midlands.

And they did it after playing a man short for more than an hour after defender Jack Parkinson was given a straight red.

Last man Parkinson slipped while trying to deal with a back pass and brought down striker Andy Brown.

Brown headed his side ahead just before the break and the home side looked set to take full advantage of having that extra man – Dover had other ideas.

While Miller, the leading scorer in the league with 18 goals, will get all the plaudits for his stunning effort, it was a real team effort that deserves the praise.

And assistant boss Jake Leberl agreed.

He said: “We are obviously delighted with the win and the three points especially after losing Jack so early.

“We also conceded at such a bad time just before half-time, so full credit to the boys for their second-half effort.

“Everyone put in a massive shift, so hopefully they can recover in time for three games in six days now.”

Dover had started the game brightly and went close to opening after that man Miller saw his shot crash into the bar following Ross Lafayette’s headed flick-on midway through the half.

But minutes later, Dover were reduced to 10-men after Parkinson’s dismissal and Solihull made them pay.

Mitch Walker turned Eddie Jones’ swerving 25-yarder away for a corner before the Moors scored from the resulting kick after Brown headed home.

The second half started with Walker saving Jean-Yves Koure Niate’s header as the Moors looked to press home their advantage – Miller ensured they didn’t.

He stunned the home crowd by firing low beyond the diving Danny Lewis to put his side back on level terms.

Seven minutes later Whites were ahead after Miller raced on to captain Jamie Grimes’ long ball before shooting past Lewis.

Miller then hit the base of a post with a powerful free-kick before completing his treble from close range.

Lafayette’s effort crashed into the woodwork and Miller was first to react, sliding home the ball from close range to leave the Solihull fans shaking their heads in disbelief.

No sooner had Miller finished celebrating his was substituted – he had ensured it was going to be a miserable first game in charge for new Solihull boss Keith Bertschin.

Substitute Akwasi Asante reduced the deficit with the final kick of the game in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late to deny Dover.

MATCH GALLERY

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