Dover Athletic 2 Tonbridge Angels 1

DESPITE never quite recapturing the form they had shown at Yeading the previous weekend, Dover did enough to earn a vital victory against fellow strugglers Tonbridge on Saturday.

All three goals in this Ryman League, premier division, clash were somewhat controversial, with both of Dover’s coming from hotly-disputed penalties.

Athletic hung on at the death to earn a win that, though they made hard work of it, was still deserved.

Just as importantly, the game was watched by a crowd of 801 - the highest in the Ryman League Premier Division so far - as some of Whites’ absentee supporters came along to see what Steve Browne and his new look side have to offer.

Dover went in front on 32 minutes but the goal came in highly controversial circumstances.

Initially, wing back Warren Ryan worked an opening with a diagional run across the 18-yard line. Although Turner took Ryan’s low cross off the toe of Wilkins, Angels’ defender Keiron Wilson was adjudged to have tripped Maynard as the ball broke lose. It looked a harsh penalty award but Craig Cloke blasted home.

Whites’ second penalty, awarded in the 43rd minute, also sparked plenty of discussion at half-time. But from my vantage point, Angels skipper Danny Lye couldn't have any serious complaints after helping himself to a handful of Victor Renner’s shirt as he attempted to control a throw from the right hand touchline. It certainly appeared a pointless challenge Once again, Cloke opted for maximum power beat Turner from the spot.

Tonbridge netted a consolation goal out of nothing with 25 minutes remaining. It came as former White Anthony Hogg curled in a free kick from close to the right hand touchline.

While keeper Kev Readings claimed the ball comfortably, he was adjudged to have carried the ball over the line in doing so.