It took a couple of cracking efforts to beat Dover goalkeeper Mitch Walker in his first Vanarama Conference game since last September at FC Halifax on Saturday.

Well, one was pretty good according to Walker, who replaced the injured Andy Rafferty (back).

Lois Maynard’s 25-yard pile-driver whizzed past Walker and into the top corner with the England C man saying there was nothing he could do to prevent it happening.

Walker said: “No goalkeeper likes conceding goals but sometimes you have just got to put your hands up and give the goalscorer credit – and his (Maynard’s) was a great strike, so that’s fair enough.”

FC Halifax substitute Jamie Jackson also beat Walker with what appeared to be superb lob for the home side’s third goal.

But Walker, who playing his first league game since tearing ligaments in an elbow in the 2-1 league defeat at Dartford, said looks can be deceiving.

“It (the ball) hit a lump of grass that had been churned up as he (Jackson) was about to hit it.

“As a result, the ball went up in the air like a wedge shot in golf and sailed over me.

“It was meant to be a cross – he didn’t intend to try and chip me.

“He told me afterwards he meant it but I don’t believe that.”