Report

Dover’s first away league match of the National League campaign ended in a humbling 4-1 loss at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night, however the final score might well have been very different when Sam Wood reduced the arrears.

With his side behind to goals from Michal Cheek and Jack Holland either side of the break, Whites’ captain Wood, playing against the side he featured for last season, slotted in Travis Gregory’s driven pass across the box, with Steven Rigg and Ahkeem Rose both missing chances to level.

Unable to capitalise on their dominance, Athletic were punished when Bromley extended their lead via Ben Williamson’s smart finish with 17 minutes remaining.

A second consecutive defeat at Hayes Lane for Andy Hessenthaler’s men was confirmed in injury time when Cheek pounced on away stopper Yusuf Mersin’s mis-kick.

Harry Ransom’s injury was the first of a double blow for Dover as just after the defender had pulled up, Ade Azeez’s intended pass to the Millwall loanee was intercepted by Harry Forster.

The youngster, on loan from Watford, took full advantage of the space ahead of him, passing the ball across the box for Cheek to slide in the opener.

Mersin dived low to turn Williamson’s bottom-corner bound shot around the post and the same player was unable to keep a far post header on target.

Azeez’ spectacular back-heeled volley flew narrowly over the bar after the break, however the Raven’s scored a second despite initial heroics from Mersin.

The Turkish keeper saved Billy Bingham’s fierce free-kick and despite stopping Holland’s initial rebound, Mersin was unable to prevent Bromley’s captain from bundling the ball over the line.

Rigg saw an effort fly agonisingly wide and a well-worked corner routine from Jack Munns and Wood ended with Rose blazing high over the cross bar.

Dover through caution to the wind and introduced striker Louis Collins, making his National League debut, however were punished by two late goals.

Williamson sprinted onto a flicked-header and slotted the ball past Mersin to extend the home side’s two-goal lead, with Cheek pouncing to wrap up the points in the injury time.

Earlier, boss Hessenthaler made one change to the side that started against Notts County, with Gregory replacing the injured Josh Passley.

Whites next travel to Stockport County on Saturday 10th October, kick off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION