MAIDENHEAD 3-2 DOVER

Hyde (52), Upward (60), Kilman (90)

Jeffrey (49), Parry (54)

Whites missed the chance to move into the play-offs after Maidenhead’s injury time winner.

Max Kilman strode forward And fired a deflected 30-yard shot into the top corner to hand the home team the points in a game Whites’ twice led.

Early in the game, Mitch Brundle lashed a 25-yard effort on goal, which home stopper Carl Pentney held onto.

And Femi Ilesanmi then saw his close-range effort from Mitch Pinnock’s lay-off blocked by the United defence. 

Sam Barrett fired goalwards from the edge of the area, with Mitch Walker able to get his whole body behind the ball.

And a frantic start continued with Pinnock curling a shot narrowly wide of Pentney’s post.

And Ryan bird went close just moments later.

The striker rose above the home defence to meet Femi Ilesanmi’s cross, but could only head over the crossbar.

Pinnock headed Pentney’s punch back towards goal, but Maidenhead’s keeper was quick to get back onto his line and catch the ball.

And Whites thought they were ahead on 37 minutes.

Pentney parried Pinnock’s drive with Giancarlo Gallifuoco ready at the back post to head home, but the Australian’s celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.

Alan Massey then came to the rescue for the hosts just before the break, clearing Anthony Jeffrey’s deflected cross from underneath the bar.

But Whites were ahead four minutes after the restart thanks to that man Jeffrey.

The pacy winger’s cross seemed to deceive Pentney and found it’s way into the far corner for the Sutton loanee’s first goal for Dover.

However Athletic’s lead did not last long as Jake Hyde swept in Barrett’s set piece just minutes later.

The response from Chris Kinnear’s men was instant thanks to Manny Parry’s fifth National League goal of the season.

The defender collected Pinnock’s flick and fired into the bottom corner to put the away side ahead for a second time.

And the goals kept coming in an entertaining half.

Barrett’s long throw found it’s way to Upward at the back post, who had the simple task of blasting United level.

As the game drew to a close, sub Sean Marks volleyed wide and at the other end, no Dover player was able to connect with Ilesanmi’s cross-cum-shot.

But the home side had the final say as Kilman fired home the winner that secured safety for Maidenhead in their debut campaign in non-league’s top flight.

Earlier, Kinnear made two changes to the side that started against Torquay last week.  Liam Bellamy and Pinnock replaced Josh Passley and Nortei Nortey, who started as substitutes.  

Maidenhead:  Petney, Steer, Massey, Goodman, Kilman, Odemetey, Upward, Comley, Barrett, Hyde (Marks 80), Clifton (Pritchard 86).

Subs not used:  Emmanuel, Owusu, Smith.

Dover:  Walker, Gallifuoco, Parry, Essam, Lokko, Ilesanmi, Brundle (c), Bellamy Okosieme 90), Pinnock (Daniel 65), Bird, Jeffrey (Azeez 80)

Subs not used:  Passley, Nortey.

Attendance:  1,155