Ricky Modeste struck twice as Dover moved back into the Vanarama National League play-off places after a comfortable win over bottom club Southport at Crabble.

Midfielder Modeste broke the deadlock in the first half but that was all that separated the sides until the final quarter when two goals in as many minutes sealed Southport's fate.

Ricky Miller squeezed the second through keeper Chris Cheetham's legs - his 36th league goal of the campaign - and just 60 seconds later the points were safe as Modeste lobbed his second.

With Aldershot drawing 2-2 at Tranmere Whites climbed up to fifth, two points clear of the Shots whom they visit on Easter Monday. Defeat for Southport confirmed their relegation.

Dover manager Chris Kinnear made just one change to the side which had won at Braintree the previous Saturday with fit again midfielder James Hurst replacing Chris Kinnear junior, who dropped to the bench.

Southport did not have the greatest preparation only arriving at Crabble 45 minutes before kick-off after being caught up in traffic caused by an accident en route but they started well forcing three early corners.

Whites in contrast looked subdued before going close from their first real opening in the eighth minute. James Hurst's free-kick was headed goalwards by Connor Essam only for towering Southport defender Robbie Cundy to acrobatically hook the ball off the line.

Southport created a couple of half-chances with Andrai Jones seeing his header deflected wide of the far post and Jamie Allen then slicing a shot well wide from the edge of the box.

Modeste had Dover's next chance in the 26th minute turning to fire wide after collecting Moses Emmanuel's pass but two minutes later the Whites midfielder had broken the deadlock.

Initially he showed good strength to hold off Southport defender Neil Ashton in the box and that was matched by his composure as he rolled the ball home at the second attempt after Southport keeper Cheetham had blocked his first close-range effort.

He had also scored the only goal when Whites won at Southport in September.

Southport had a great chance to equalise 10 minutes before the break when Rory McKeown picked out Jones but he was wide with his header from 12 yards and right in the dying seconds of the half McKeown flashed a volley wide of the far upright.

The first real sighting of league top scorer Miller did not come until the 37th minute when he robbed Cundy before curling a shot just wide but the second half was just seven minutes old when he stung Cheetham's hands with a shot the keeper beat away at the near post.

Two minutes later Whites defender Richard Orlu limped off with a dead leg to be replaced by Aswad Thomas but he should be fit for the trip to Aldershot.

Hurst gave way to Chris Kinnear junior midway through the half but little else of note had happened until the game exploded into life as Whites struck twice in as many minutes.

Their second, on 70 minutes, came courtesy of league top scorer Miller who let Emmanuel's lofted pass drop over his shoulder and then hit a volley which went through the legs of Cheetham.

Moments later, Miller turned provider playing the ball through for Modeste who nonchalantly lifted the ball over Cheetham to seal Dover's fifth win in six games.

Dover: Walker, Magri, Essam, Orlu (Thomas 54mins), Grimes, Sterling, Hurst (Kinnear jun 65mins), Healy, Modeste, Emmanuel, Miller (Lafayette 74mins); Subs: Pinnock, Fazakerley.

Southport: Cheetham, White, Ashton, Nolan, Allen (Coly 82mins), Jones, Weeks, McKeown, Cundy, Higgins, Brodie (Monteiro 89mins); Subs: Grimshaw, Myers, Foulds..

Attendance: 1563