Report

WHITES were unable to make a winning start to their National League campaign after Mike Fondop’s spectacular first-half strike.

The striker, with his back to goal, converted Luke Summerfield’s cross to hand visitors Wrexham a first-ever win against Chris Kinnear’s men at the ninth attempt.

And Whites will feel they should have equalised, but away keeper Rob Lainton saved Inih Effiong’s spot-kick after the burly striker was fouled in the area just before the break.

Earlier, Paul Rutherford was the first to try his luck, firing wide from the edge of the box.

And Jamie Allen went even closer moments later, striking the top of the crossbar from 20-yards with a dipping effort.

Fondop’s rampaging run ending with a disappointing shot wide and great work from Summerfield ended with Luke Young scuffing an effort off target.

But it was Fondop who carried on his pre-season form with the first goal of the afternoon, though Dover almost bounced back with Bedsente Gomis and Kevin Lokko unable to convert their chances.

Whites almost responded immediately after the break, with Allen heading narrowly wide.

Walker then had to be alert to keep out James Jennings’ free-kick from floating straight in and also clasp onto Summerfield’s fiercely struck free-kick.

At the other end, Tim Schmoll headed a long throw-in into the arms of Lainton and Shaun Pearson went close to doubling the lead with two minutes to go, heading a corner goalwards, with Nortei Nortey on hand to clear the ball from danger.

Lainton dropped Jack Connors’ deep cross, but Kevin Lokko was unable to convert the rebound.

And the visiting stopper was at the centre of controversy with three minutes remaining.

After colliding with his own defender, Lainton spilt a high ball, which  Allen gleefully slotting in, but the striker was adjudged to have fouled Pearson in the build up.

Earlier, Kinnear kept with the same side that played Woking in their final pre-season friendly last week.

Whites next travel to Bromley on Tuesday 7th August, kick-off 7:45 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

WREXHAM REACTION

MATCH GALLERY

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