Report

WHITES comfortably progressed into the next round of the FA Trophy thanks to three second-half goals at a freezing Crabble on Saturday.

Mitch Pinnock tapped in just after the break and further strikes from Ryan Bird and sub James Alabi saw Dover seal their place in Monday’s second round draw.

Skipper Mitch Brundle almost opened the scoring with a stunning volley, but his effort from Giancarlo Gallifuoco’s cross whistled past the post.

Anthony Jeffrey cut inside and shot after running onto Gallifuoco’s pass, but visiting keeper Mark Smith palmed away his vicious shot.

Visitors Borough almost stunned the home crowd midway through the first half. Shaun Okojie collected Lloyd Dawes pass and after turning past Manny Parry, dragged his effort narrowly wide of the far post.

And Jamie Howell’s men were made to pay for their missed opportunity as Whites broke the deadlock just after the restart.

Pinnock raced to the far post to convert Bird’s angled drive and the lead was almost doubled minutes later.

But Smith was on hand to claw out Gallifuoco’s goalbound header from a Pinnock corner.

However, Eastbourne’s stopper was powerless to prevent Bird from grabbing his 12th goal of the season in all competitions.

The keeper saved the striker’s header from Brundle’s flick, but the National League’s top scorer was first to react to the rebound, smashing into the back of the net to double Whites lead.

Keeper Smith then blocked Bird’s volley after the attacker latched onto Brundle’s lobbed assist and Nortei Nortey headed over Pinnock’s ball when well placed.

Sub Kadell Daniel showed great skill to twist and turn his man, but his pass across the area just evaded the outstretched legs of Pinnock.

However, victory was sealed in injury time thanks to a second goal of the season for Alabi.

The Tranmere loanee slotted in Femi Ilesanmi’s cross-cum-shot from close range.

Nortei almost added an extra layer of gloss to the scoreline in injury time, but his lob bounced on top of the net.

Earlier, boss Chris Kinnear kept faith with the side that started last weekend’s home win against Hartlepool.

Whites return to league action next week when they travel to Wrexham on Saturday 23rd December. Kick off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

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