Newport County 2 Dover Athletic 1

WITH Jamie Day, Dean Readings, and Mark Patterson unavailable because of suspension or injury, Dover's team for this Dr Martens, premier division, clash virtually picked itself.

Whites were dealt an early blow when a lucky deflection let Neil Davis in to put County ahead from close range.

In the 40th minute Andy Arnott limped off with a calf injury and must be considered

doubtful for the FA Cup tie at Canvey Island this weekend.

After the break, Dover looked a much better side, and substitute Israel Amadi was soon put through on goal, but he lost control of the ball, and it ran through to the home 'keeper. On the hour, right winger Garry Shephard, who gave the Dover defence problems all afternoon, was fouled by James

Rogers. Rogers was booked, and the free-kick caused awful trouble in the Dover defence. Three efforts were cleared off the line before Andrew Mumford scored with a low shot from 16 yards.

Five minutes later, Amadi was put through again, and this time he shot Dover back into the match, the ball going in off the far post.

Dover were on top now, but despite creating chances in front of goal, were unable to find the finishing touch which would have brought some reward from this match.

Dover will have to raise their game for this Saturday's match, otherwise an FA Cup run is a distinct improbability

Dover: Paul Hyde, Tony Browne, Kenny Dyer, Craig Cloke, Andy Arnott(Sub: Israel Amadi, 40 min.), Danny Chapman, James Rogers, Lee

Spiller, Craig Wilkins, Tommy Tyne, Matt Carruthers. Subs(not used): Simon

Glover, Michael Smissen, Tom Hickman, Simon Postma.