Dover suffered a third successive National League South defeat as they lost at home to in-form Hampton on Saturday.

Impressive Borough skipper Jake Gray struck twice before substitute David Fisher made it back-to-back 3-0 home defeats for Whites towards the end.

The only early action at Crabble saw defensive midfielder Will Moses go into referee George Laflin’s book in the 10th minute in front of a crowd of 605. He mistimed a challenge on away left-back Ruaridh Donaldson.

Soon after, recalled striker George Nikaj could only head Luke Wanadio’s delightful left-wing cross against the post for the hosts.

Borough’s first opening on 17 minutes saw Whites keeper Stuart Nelson get well behind Luis Fernandez’s long-range effort before they again threatened through Donaldson.

Midfielder Alfy Whittingham nearly helped the visitors break the deadlock midway through the half, only for Dover captain-for-the-day Myles Judd to produce a great last-ditch tackle.

Another spell of concerted pressure from Mel Gwinnett’s troops saw Gray spoon over after the half-hour mark, with Nelson also being called into action from a corner.

Three minutes before half-time, Wanadio’s free-kick eventually found defender Tyrone Sterling, whose header was straight at away keeper Alan Julian.

But Hampton made it 1-0 in first-half stoppage time. Gray blasted beyond Nelson, seconds after the 41-year-old had made a big save to deny Connor Kurran-Browne who had broken through Dover’s defence.

Home manager Mitch Brundle made two changes at half-time, which saw David Boateng and Josh Ajayi introduced for Nikaj and George Wilkinson.

And 21-year-old Boateng was involved in the 53rd minute, his right-wing delivery having a little too much on it for left-back Alfie Paxman at the back post.

That pressure continued as the match went beyond the hour mark and a Hampton defender made a brave block from Ajayi’s effort inside the box.

But with 65 minutes played, Gray chipped the on-rushing Nelson - only for his effort to hit the side-netting.

Two minutes later, though, Gray made no mistake as he doubled Hampton’s advantage when he drove home Kurran-Browne’s backheel.

There were some good signs from Dover substitute Noah Carney but, with 17 minutes left, he snatched at a close-range attempt.

Borough could have added a third in the 77th minute as defender Dean Inman poked another effort at Nelson while Kurran-Browne came off for Brandon Barzey.

In the final seconds of normal time, Fisher made an almost instant impact.

He found the bottom corner of Nelson’s net, not long after he had come on, to help Hampton earn a fourth win in a row.

That result leaves Whites 15th, eight points clear of the relegation zone, while Borough are above them on goal difference after a fourth straight success.

The hosts made three changes, with experienced midfield duo Jordan Higgs and Lee Martin missing out due to suspension.

Carney also dropped to the bench while Moses, Luke Baptiste and Nikaj replaced them.

On-loan Crystal Palace defender Boateng returned to the bench after a spell out with injury, as Judd took the armband.

Ashford-born former Gillingham and Dartford goalkeeper Julian started between the sticks for the visitors.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Paxman, Goodman, Sterling, Judd, Wanadio, Baptiste, Moses, Pierrick (Carney 68mins), Wilkinson (Boateng 46mins), Nikaj (Ajayi 46mins). Subs not used: Agbebi, Janjeva.

Hampton & Richmond Borough: Julian, Donaldson, Inman, Fernandez, Whittingham (Davis 64mins), Gray, Kurran-Browne (Barzey 78mins), Deadfield, Clifton (Fisher 87mins), Dunne, Thomas. Subs not used: Johnson, Comley.

Referee: George Laflin.

Attendance: 605.