Report

A DEFLECTED goal by Matty Kosylo was the difference as Whites’ winless streak away from home in the National League continued this season.

The winger picked latched onto Kevin Lokko’s defensive header and fired into to the net via the Dover defence to keep Andy Hessenthaler’s men rooted to the bottom of the table.

Earlier, Bobby-Joe Taylor’s free-kick found Jamie Allen free in the area, but the striker was unable to add to his tally of three goals this campaign, heading off target.

Inih Effiong’s effort was heading in after the forward had beaten home keeper Sam Johnson to Josh Passley’s ball, but Nathan Clarke volleyed the ball off the line.

Kosylo struck and Athletic were grateful it was not two as Dayle Southwell thundered one against the crossbar from an angle.

Southwell then turned provider after the break, escaping Mitch Brundle’s attention and laying off for Kosylo to slide in, but the winger somehow found the side netting.

Both goalies were then called into action within seconds of each other. Mitch Walker bravely blocked from Southwell and Inih Effiong was unable to get the better of Johnson after wriggling free.

The visitors continued the press and Brundle saw his header from Taylor’s corner scuffed off the line by Clarke.

Dover twice went close.  Firstly Stewart Lewis’ fine half volley from Johnson’s weak pass narrowly cleared the bar and Allen headed Joshua Debayo’s centre wide of the mark.

Mitch Walker came to the rescue, denying sub Jordan Preston with his legs following good work from Southwell out wide.

But Athletic despite late pressure, Whites were unable to find a breakthrough.

Boss Hessenthaler made two changes to the side that started at Bury last week in the FA Cup with the previously cup-tied Reason and Taylor replacing Moussa Diarra and Manny Adebowale, who started as substitutes.

Athletic next host Hartlepool United in the National League, kick-off 3 pm.

DOVER ATHLETIC REACTION