Northwich Victoria 2 Dover Ath 1

BOTTOM club Dover moved a step nearer relegation as they slipped to their third Conference defeat in four matches under new manager Neville Southall.

After a goalless first half, during which Northwich were continually frustrated by Dover's offside trap, the home side snatched the lead a minute after the restart when Neil Illman scored his third goal in three games since rejoining the Vics from Stevenage.

Greg Blundell could have doubled Northwich's lead before Dover enjoyed their best spell of the game, and they equalised when Leon Kelly marked his league debut for Whites by capitalising on confusion in the Vics defence after 64 minutes.

The home side, however, were back in front seven minutes later. Illman's clever pass set up Blundell to score, and Northwich were only denied further goals before the finish by some brave goalkeeping by Phil Smith.

This latest defeat makes it imperative for Dover to win tonight's rearranged home derby with Margate (7.45).