Dover moved another point closer to National League safety as they settled for a goalless draw against Chesterfield at Crabble on Saturday.

Alfie Pavey and Inih Effiong both created openings in front of goal but the hosts were unable to find a way past opposition unbeaten in four prior to the weekend.

The result moves Whites onto 48 points and now nine clear of Havant following their 2-1 defeat to Harrogate.

Andy Hessenthaler named one change to the side that drew 2-2 at Solihull Moors, with the injured Jamie Allen making way for Effiong up top.

The striker started the game brightly as he launched a powerful run from the half-way line before delaying his shot in time for a pack of blue shirts to swarm him on the edge of the box.

Chesterfield's first sighting of goal came courtesy of Marc Antoine Fortune who fired over the bar after playing a one-two that he had started with a clever flick round his marker.

Stuart Lewis then produced an excellent recovery run to head away a dangerous cross for a corner, after which followed a sloppy phase of the first half as both sides struggled to retain possession.

Bobby-Joe Taylor then threatened when his deep free-kick from the right-hand side went close to creeping in at the far corner.

The best opening of the first period eventually fell to Pavey in the 27th minute as he sprinted onto Jai Reason's through ball, only to see his shot deflected out for a corner.

Effiong showcased his strength once again moments later, out-muscling his defender to carve an opening for himself but skying his left-footed effort well over.

Fortune again tested Worgan's hands with a strike from the edge of the box however the sides refused to be divided as they entered the break goalless.

Effiong was involved again shortly after the restart, breaking onto Lewis' lofted pass in behind the Chesterfield defence, only to get the ball caught up under his feet.

Dover began to dominate the game from then on, with Effiong playing a tidy one-two with Pavey before stumbling at the vital moment upon his entry to the penalty area.

The visitors' efforts to threaten themselves saw them cross to Fortune. who was squeezed out by Kevin Lokko while trying to get his shot away at the near post.

Lokko then watched as his header across goal evaded all White shirts in the box as the Crabble faithful were preparing to celebrate an opener.

Hessenthaler then turned to Ricky Modeste and Anthony Jeffrey from the bench for inspiration, with the pair replacing Pavey and Reason, respectively.

Chesterfield responded by turning to the height of substitute Thomas Denton, who nodded down shooting opportunities on two occasions within five minutes of his introduction.

Fellow second half arrival Andrew Kawomya almost capitalised on a cross to Fortune, reacting first to his knock down but volleying over Worgan from close range.

Lokko produced an excellent block to keep out Maguire's driven shot, with Effiong then scuffing his shot at the opposite end.

Both sides settled for a draw after seeing mere glimpses of goal in the closing stages of the contest.

Dover: Worgan, Passley, Brundle, Doe, Lokko, Taylor, Lewis (Nortei 85mins), Gomis, Reason (Jeffrey 73mins), Pavey (Modeste 69mins), Effiong. Subs not used: Walker, Daniel.

Chesterfield: Anyon, Evans, Maguire, Carter (Denton 75mins), Shaw (Kawomya 75mins), Weir, Hollis, Reid, McKay (Barry 57mins), Fortune, Yarney. Subs not used: Jalal, Chapman.

Attendance: 1,348.