Report

DOVER overturned a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 in a thriller at Crabble on Tuesday night.

Kevin Lokko headed in Mitch Brundle’s corner five minutes from the end to put Chris Kinnear’s men ahead for a second time in the match after conceding three quick-fire goals just after the break.

Whites had led by Nortei Nortey fine individual strike at half-time, but a Jamie Allen penalty and a stunning volley from Mitch Brundle levelled the scores at 3-3.

And with time running out, Lokko slotted in Brundle’s corner as Athletic registered their first win of the campaign at the fourth attempt.

Earlier, visiting keeper Ryan Young did enough to turn away Allen’s angled drive.

Havant’s number one was then a mere spectator a few minutes later as Nortey curled a sumptuous effort narrowly past the far post.

And Young played a major role in keeping the scores level on the half-hour mark.

The stopper was out quickly to deny Inih Effiong from close range and then pulled off a smart save to keep out Josh Passley’s fierce drive.

Mitch Walker then had to be alert to block Daniel Strugnell’s rocket before blocking Nicke Kabamba’s follow up, even though the striker was flagged offside.

And that save proved crucial as Dover went ahead on 36 minutes in spectacular fashion.

Nortey picked the ball up in midfield and unleashed an unstoppable curling strike over the head of Young from 35 yards.

Havant almost responded just before the break, a clever free-kick ended with Walker parrying a blaster from Lewis from the edge of the area.

But the game was turned on its head within minutes of the restart.

Walker parried substitute Alfie Pavey’s header, but Wes Fogden was on hand to nod in the rebound to level matters.

And the two players combined to put the Hawks ahead seconds later.

Fogen this time turned provider, crossing for Pavey, who directed his header into the bottom corner.

Athletic’s chances of earning their first points at Crabble this season took another dent a minute later.

Strugnell slung a ball into the area for the outstretched Lewis to prod the ball over a helpless Walker.

But Whites were given a lifeline on 65 minutes after Allen was felled in the box.

The striker picked himself up to slot in his third goal of the campaign.

Brundle then unleashed a long-range shot over the bar and Rory Williams was on hand to head Tim Schmoll’s goalbound header off the line.

The pressure continued and no Dover player was unable to get on the end of Jack Connors’ fizzed pass across the ball.

But Chris Kinnear’s men got a deserved equaliser from their captain with 13 minutes remaining.

Brundle crashed a 25-yard volley through a crowded area into the bottom corner to make the scores 3-3.

And the turnaround was completed on 84 minutes.

Brundle’s corner found it’s way to Lokko to fire Dover ahead and send the home crowd into a frenzy, even though Pavey almost scored in the dying seconds, blazing a free-kick a mere centimetres wide.

However, the home side held on to move up to 13th in the National League ladder.

Earlier, Kinnear named the same starting line-up for the fourth consecutive match.

Whites next travel to Fylde on Saturday 18th August, kick-off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION

HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE REACTION

https://youtu.be/CFHkrw3ADw0

MATCH GALLERY

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