Ten-man Dover allowed a 2-0 lead to slip to a 3-2 defeat against Chelmsford in a clash of two promotion-chasers in Blue Square Bet South at Crabble on Saturday.

Adam Birchall gave the hosts the lead after picking the ball up on half-way, driving forward and firing into the corner from 18 yards on 25 minutes.

Birchall turned provider for the second on 40 minutes, breaking down the right and unselfishly squaring to Harry Baker who took a touch before finishing coolly.

The visitors pulled one back from a contentious Dave Rainford penalty moments before the break and after the interval some slack defending from the Whites allowed City to draw level just after the hour.

Substitute Joe Tabiri saw a shot tipped onto the post for Dover before Olly Schulz saw red-for a second yellow card on 79 minutes during a fractious second-half.

The visitors eventually made their pressure tell seven minutes from time with a finish from 18 yards from the impressive Rainford.

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