Report

A late winner from Ade Azeez stopped Whites’ run of defeats as Dover won their first game since the opening day.

Athletic went behind early on through Tyrone Barnett, but were 2-1 up at the break thanks to goals from Sam Wood and Louis Collins.

Dan Smith levelled for the Spitfires in the second half, however Azeez was able to poke home a counter attack late on as Whites took all three points.

Barnett had his side off to the perfect start as the visitors went ahead inside the first 10 minutes when the experienced forward poked home from a cross from Sam Smart.

Eastleigh continued to attack and almost doubled their lead when Abdulai Baggie latched onto a flick[-on, only to fire off target at the crucial moment.

That chance proved costly as moments later Whites were level through Wood

The defender rose highest the meet Jack Munn’s swirling cross to the back post to score his second of the season..

Andy Hessenthaler’s men then took the lead on the half hour mark through Collins third goal in two matches, with the diminutive striker firing Azeez’ cutback into the corner of the net.

Kurtis Cumberbatch then almost put Whites further ahead on the stroke of half time, but his effort from outside the area flew just wide.

The post then came to Dover’s rescue shortly after the restart after Cav Miley’s looping head hit the inside of the upright.

Eastleigh continued to push in the second half and were level on the hour mark after a scramble in the box found its way to Smith to slot the ball home, moments after Athletic had cleared an effort off the goalline.

But the away side were caught cold as Whites retook the lead with 10 minutes of normal time left.  Substitute Ahkeem Rose sprinted onto fellow sub and debutant Omar Mussa’s through ball and found Azeez to fire home the winner into the far bottom corner.

Earlier in the day, Hessenthaler made three changes from the penalty shootout defeat to Yeovil in the FA Cup, with Wood, Steve Rigg and Azeez replacing Marshall Wratten, Bilel Hinchiri and Rose.

Dover next host Altrincham in the National League on Saturday 31st October, Kick Off 3pm.