Report

Watford loanee Adam Parkes saved a penalty on his debut as Dover Athletic continued preparations for the new season with a close victory against neighbours Folkestone Invicta at Crabble on Saturday

A trialist put the home side ahead midway through the first half, however, Whites were pegged back in the second half thanks to a brilliant goal from Tyler Sterling.

Folkestone then had the chance to go ahead, however, former Dover striker Ade Yusuff’s penalty was saved by Parkes, with Aaron Cosgrave scoring with the next attack to seal victory for Whites.

First half action saw goalkeeper Josh Bexon forced into an early save after Folkestone went close from a free-kick through Sterling.

Whites needed Bexon again to keep the score level, first parrying away Yusuff’s shot, before getting down well to save Alfie Paxman’s rebound.

However, Dover grew into the game and almost went one up through Ricky Miller as a good ball played him in behind the Folkestone defence, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Travis Gregory then went close after beating off one challenge, his shot was blocked from the corner.

Whites’ pressure was rewarded from the corner as a got a strong header onto the ball from the cross power home.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler made 10 changes at halftime, which included Watford loanee Parkes.

Shortly after the break, Folkestone was level through Sterling’s free-kick.

Whites then went searching for that second goal. First Trialist G went close when his shot from outside the area curled just wide.

Cosgrave then would have liked to do better when he got put through on goal, but he mishit his shot and Folkestone was able to clear.

Moments later, Trialist H went close as the ball landed at his feet in the box, but his shot went just wide of the left-hand post.

Folkestone was then awarded a penalty with 10 minutes to go and from that, Dover went straight down the other end to go back in front, with Cosgrave getting on the end of a cross into the box to seal victory.

First Half XI – Bexon, Wood, Goodman, Trialist A, Twumasi, Trialist B, Trialist C, Da Costa, Gregory, Miller, Williamson

Second Half XI – Parkes, Wratten, Trialist D, Trialist E, Trialist F, Hanson, Trialist G, Trialist H, Trialist I, Trialist J, Cosgrave