Dover 2 Welling 1

MATT Carruthers netted twice to seal victory for Dover in a dominant display against their South London rivals in Dr Martens League, Premier Division.

Despite the slender score line Whites were much the better side. And on another day they could have sent Welling home on the back of a thrashing.

Man-of-the-match Carruthers hit two decisive strikes either side of the break, first equalising, and then netting the winner as Dover struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals.

Bill Williams' Welling side had failed to beat Dover in their three previous encounters this season, but were in a positive mood having netted six goals in each of their last two outings against two struggling sides Folkestone and Ilkeston.

The Whites were in need of maximum points in their tough quest to reel in leaders Tamworth at the top of the Doc Martens table as they began what will be a heavily congested final stage of the season.

Welling took a surprise lead on 19 minutes when the lively Anthony Riviere burst free on the right and played in Paul Booth who lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Dover: Hyde, Browne, Patterson, Chapman, Readings, Dyer, Day, Spiller, Glover, Tyne (Norman 90), Carruthers. Subs Not Used: Dent, Hafner, Smisson.