Dover 3 Staines 1

THREE goals during an outstanding first half performance earned Dover Athletic their first win since the season's opening day at the Hoverspeed Stadium and gave the club a much-needed lift.

And for those 500 fans who ignored the obvious attractions of the Champions League on television to attend, the victory did much to restore some pride and passion following Whites' dreadful run of six consecutive defeats.

After stand-in head coach Gary Whittle had earned two creditable points on the road, one wondered what tactics he might employ in front of Whites' own supporters.

Aided by the return to fitness of striker Craig Wilkins, Dover's direct approach always looked likely to reap a three-point dividend.

The first goal came after 19 minutes when Craig Cloke hurled in a long throw from the left, that was flicked on by Wilkins across the face of the six-yard box. Shane Hamshare, a revelation since Whittle brought him back into the side, headed back across keeper Matt Lovett and into the far corner.

Whites' second came just three minutes later. Matt Carruthers whipped in a free kick from 40 yards out, and Cloke rose to thump home a header.

With Staines always looking suspect when the ball was played into their box, Whites went on to take a 3-0 lead before the break. Cloke played a superb crossfield ball out to the right flank, and Hamshare got behind Town's back line before crossing to the near post where Wilkins rose between two defenders to nod in his second goal of the campaign.

Staines came back into the game in the second period. Their attacking efforts were rewarded with a Jermaine Hunter consolation goal, but it was always likely to prove too big a mountain to climb.

Dover: Hyde (Mullin 87), Hamshare, Humphrey, Readings, Scarborough, Cloke, Carruthers, Hickman (Skelton 84), Welford (Smissen 78), Wilkins, Rogers. Subs not used: Spiller, Farrier.

Attendance: 501