A brace from Decarrey Sheriff helped Dover Athletic come from behind to secure a 2–2 draw against Herne Bay in their penultimate pre-season fixture at the Megger Community Stadium.

Sheriff opened the scoring midway through the first half before Herne Bay struck either side of the interval to turn the game around. The Dover forward then found the net for a second time on 58 minutes, finishing another well-worked move to ensure the sides ended the evening level.

New signing Sonny Fish was named among the substitutes, alongside academy players Essa Jadama and Hayden Fuller.

Herne Bay made an encouraging start and produced the first opening after seven minutes, sending a bobbling effort narrowly beyond Walker’s far post.

The visitors threatened again four minutes later when they found a route through Dover’s defensive line. Walker came quickly from his goal and blocked the initial shot, but the deflection continued towards the net before Rendall reacted sharply to clear the danger.

Dover gradually began to establish themselves in attacking areas. Salami won possession near the corner flag on 13 minutes and pulled the ball back towards Baptiste, whose effort was blocked by the Herne Bay defence.

The Whites went closer four minutes later following a lively passage inside the visitors’ penalty area. The ball moved between Baptiste, Salami and Bakrin before dropping to Onu, but his final effort was also charged down.

Baptiste continued to provide Dover’s main outlet down the flank and won a free-kick in a promising wide position after his driving run was halted by a foul.

Salami then controlled a deep delivery well before cutting inside, although his attempted final ball went astray.

Despite Herne Bay having caused Dover several problems during the opening stages, it was the Whites who broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.

Baptiste battled to regain possession in midfield before threading an excellent pass into the path of Sheriff. The forward showed composure after breaking through, converting to give Dover a 1–0 advantage.

Herne Bay responded eight minutes later, finding an equaliser in the 36th minute to restore parity.

Dover nearly reclaimed the lead shortly before the interval. Baptiste exchanged a quick one-two with Sheriff, allowing the goalscorer to release a powerful effort, but the visiting goalkeeper produced an excellent diving save.

The sides therefore went into the break level at 1–1, with Sheriff’s goal separating two otherwise evenly matched teams.

Herne Bay made a fast start to the second period and completed the turnaround just three minutes after the restart. Their number 14 found the net to put the visitors 2–1 ahead.

Dover immediately went in search of a response. Onu delivered a deep cross towards the back post, where Salami rose to meet it, but his header flew inches wide.

Walker was called into action again on 57 minutes, dealing comfortably with a long-range effort that skimmed across the turf.

A minute later, Dover were level.

Onu produced an excellent piece of control before driving through the Herne Bay midfield. He slipped the ball into Sheriff’s path, and the striker made no mistake to score his second goal of the evening and bring the Whites back to 2–2.

Dover made three changes on the hour, with Onu, Jallow and Salami replaced by Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite, Fish and Trialist A.

The substitutions brought renewed energy to the Whites, who began to find a greater rhythm and push for a third goal. Herne Bay remained dangerous on the counter, however, combining some sharp passing with quick breaks from defensive areas.

Walker punched away another visiting effort with 16 minutes remaining as Herne Bay continued to test the Dover defence.

Fish almost marked his first Dover appearance with a memorable goal in the 78th minute, attempting an inventive backheel that narrowly failed to beat the goalkeeper.

Lewis Bartlett replaced Walker a minute later, before academy players Jadama and Fuller were both handed opportunities during the closing stages. Jadama came on for Charles-Cook in the 82nd minute, with Fuller replacing Jones shortly before full-time.

Neither side could produce a late winner, leaving Dover to settle for a draw after twice finding themselves in front and then behind.

The Whites conclude their pre-season schedule on Saturday when Carshalton Athletic visit the Megger Community Stadium.

Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Jones, Rendall, Ezenwanne, Bakrin, Jallow, Baptiste, Sheriff, Onu, Salami.

Substitutes: Bartlett, Fish, Jadama, Fuller, Wilson-Braithwaite, Trialist A.