Dover sent AFC Telford a defeat closer to being the first team relegated from Vanarama Conference this season after beating the bottom side 1-0 at Crabble.

Stefan Payne scored the only goal, his first in the league in 2015, in the fourth minute to keep Whites in 10th spot, 10 points from the fifth and final play-off berth, with six games to go.

The win also meant Dover completed the double over the Shropshire visitors after winning 4-1 at New Bucks Head last September.

Payne had the chance to put Whites ahead in the third minute after he was played in by Colchester United loanee Dan Holman but Telford goalkeeper James Montgomery saved his effort from close range.

But Montgomery, the grandson of former Sunderland keeper and 1973 FA Cup winner, Jim Montgomery, could do nothing to prevent Payne from scoring a minute later.

Tom Murphy's cross rebounded off Telford defender Glenn Murphy and the England C man tapped home from six yards.

Nicky Deverdics went close to doubling the lead five minutes later when his shot went just wide while Dan Holman also went close in the 34th minute.

Four minutes later, Dover keeper Mitch Walker was called into action for the first time when he saved well with his legs from Tony Gray and the ball went out for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, Walker did well to keep a sliced attempted clearance out.

Payne then had a great chance to get his second with the final kick of the first half, but fired over from 12 yards out.

Telford, who are now 15 points adrift at the bottom and could be relegated next weekend, started the second half well and Walker saved from Adam Farrell and Gray.

Dover responded with Holman shooting just inches over from Deverdics' lay-off, before Montgomery saved well from Murphy.

Murphy went close minutes later and that was closest Dover came to scoring again.

Dover are next in action at Wrexham on Tuesday night.

Dover: Walker, Wynter, Orlu, Francis, Raggett, Sterling, Kinnear Jnr, Deverdics, Murphy (Modeste 68mins), Payne (Poole 67mins), Holman (Cogan 81mins). Subs not used: Taiwo, Bellamy.

Attendance: 795