Two-goal Ricky Miller fired Dover to an impressive Vanarama National League win over Gateshead at wet and chilly Crabble.

Chris Kinnear's side recovered from a slow start to score three times in 20 minutes, Miller's double taking his tally for the season to 15, with Nicky Deverdics getting the other as Dover went in 3-0 up at half-time.

Stefan Payne added the fourth early in the second half, celebrating his return from suspension, his third in four games against the Tyne and Wear club as Whites extended their winning run in matches between the two sides.

The visitors boasted four clean sheets ahead of the game, having conceded only two in their last seven outings, but Dover ended that impressive record with excellent goals and build-up.

Dover were under pressure at the start, as Gateshead started confidently, with CJ Hamilton, lively down the left hand side.

However the visitors lacked any end product, and then gifted Dover their opener after 25 minutes.

A poor back-pass by James Curtis put his keeper Sam Russell in trouble, kept out Miller's first effort, but he made no mistake second time from the acutest of angles.

Deverdics started and finished the move as Dover doubled their lead 10 minutes later.

He swept the ball out to Miller, before racing into the box to receive the return for his 13th of the campaign.

The goals lifted Dover, with Shaun Raggett heading just wide from Deverdics' free-kick.

Miller got his second, and Dover's third on the stroke of half-time, with a good finish, after Payne made it with a strong burst down the right, before laying the ball off.

Gateshead boss Neil Aspin made a double substitution at half-time, but Payne made it 4-0 nine minutes after the restart.

Russell saved Miller's powerful effort, but Payne headed in from close-range, celebrating his return from an extended four-game ban with his 15th of the season.

Dover introduced new signings Harry Crawford, Tyrone Marsh and Mitchell Pinnock in the final 20 minutes, easing home to a comfortable victory, and a first clean-sheet since late October.

Dover: Walker, Magri, Orlu, Raggett, Sterling, Modeste (Pinnock 85mins), Parkinson, Deverdics, Bellamy, Miller (Crawford 70') Payne (Marsh 76mins)

Subs not used: Kinnear, Ofori-Acheampong

Attendance: 638