MATCH REPORT: DOVER 4 – 1 ASHFORD UNITED

Striker Ricky Miller scored twice in the first half of his return to Crabble as Whites put four past Ashford United in their first pre-season game.

Miller started the rout for the home side inside the first 10 minutes, before James Caton doubled Whites’ lead just after the half hour mark.

Whites’ number nine then doubled his tally and got Dover’s third towards the end of the half from the penalty spot, before second-half substitute Aaron Cosgrave slotted home the fourth.

Miller wasted little time in getting the home faithful singing his name again after he opened the scoring in the eighth minute after getting on the end of Travis Gregory’s cross into the box.

He almost doubled his tally shortly after, but his shot towards the near post was well saved by the Ashford goalkeeper.

Caton – also making his return to the club – doubled Whites’ tally with a superb curling effort from the edge of the area which gave the keeper no chance.

Whites were then awarded a penalty for handball, with the spot-kick being slotted home into the left corner by Miller.

He almost got his hat-trick with the last chance of the half, but his header was wide of the target.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler made 11 changes at half-time but Dover still looked lively, winning a penalty five minutes into the second half, but it was pulled wide by a trialist.

However, moments later Whites were 4-0 up as Cograve calmly placed the ball home to put the result beyond doubt.

Ashford did get a consolation midway through the second half, with their striker putting the ball past the trialist goalkeeper.

Chances were hard to come by after this, with the best one coming from a trialist who hit the post after a brilliant run.

Whites are back in action on Tuesday night as they travel to Deal Town.