Dartford power forward in their Easter Monday derby clash with Dover. Picture: Nick Johnson

Dover Athletic’s Blue Square Bet South play-off hopes were severely dented after a 4-0 defeat to arch rivals Dartford at Princes Park on Monday.

A brace from Charlie Sheringham alongside goals from Tom Champion and Danny Harris secured the win and bragging rights.

The hosts opened the scoring on 24 minutes when a Lee Noble corner was met by Sheringham and his header flew past Ross Flitney. Champion doubled Dartford's advantage just before the hour and Dover fell 3-0 behind three minutes later with Harris’ delicate lob.

Dover's Adam Birchall had a chance to reduce the deficit, but was denied by Darts keeper Andrew Young, and the home side completed the rout when James White’s flick header was directed past Flitney by Sheringham for a fourth goal 12 minutes from time.

The defeat for Dover leaves their play-off hopes hanging by a thread as they are three points behind fifth-placed Chelmsford City ahead of their final league game of the season against St Albans on Saturday. Dartford are three points behind 10th-placed Bromley.