A sensational overhead kick from Mitch Pinnock gave Dover a win against Dagenham & Redbridge in the National League on Tuesday night.

Pinnock’s goal-of-the-season contending strike in the first half gave Whites a 1-0 win at Crabble.

Chris Kinnear’s side ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions thanks to the winger’s sixth league goal.

The visitors started the stronger of the two teams piling on early pressure for Dover. Mitch Walker was forced into a saved in the opening minute after a fierce strike from Charlee Adams.

Dover had the ball in the back of the net after 13 minutes but it was ruled out for offside. Mitch Brundle swung in a good free-kick from the left and it was bundled in by Gallifuoco but the linesman’s flag was already up.

A vital interception from Brundle stopped an almost certain goal for Mason Bloomfield. He was through on goal with just Walker to beat but his sliding tackle was timed perfectly.

Mitch Pinnock’s wonder goal gave Dover a lead after 30 minutes. His overhead kick from 20 yards perfectly looped over the Dagenham goalkeeper, Mark Cousins, and into the top corner.

The Whites nearly doubled their advantage after 41 minutes with efforts from Ilesanmi and Bellamy. The former’s driven shot was parried into the path of the latter who’s diving header went over the crossbar.

In the second half, Ryan Bird should have made it 2-0 for Dover after 56 minutes. Bellamy did well to find Pinnock on the edge of the box. He beats his man and backheels it to Bird who is free but his shot just misses the post.

Bird had another half chance after 67 minutes when his glancing header went wide. Pinnock did well on the left and whipped in a cross for the forward but he could not get the ball on target.

Dagenham had two chances to level things up in the 77th and 78th minute. The first from Okenabirhie was well saved from Walker and then Michael Cheek flashed a shot across the face of goal.

Despite a nervy end to the game for Dover they managed to cling on for all three points.

Dover: Walker, Passley (Okosieme 85mins), Ilesanmi, Parry, Essam, Gallifuoco, Brundle, Bellamy, Pinnock (Nortey 89mins), Jeffrey (Daniel 54mins), Bird.
Subs not used: Alabi, Lokko.

Attendance: 677 (78 away)