Rakish Bingham's late penalty on Saturday saw Ebbsfleet edge an entertaining Kent derby in National League South at Dover.

Bingham struck from the spot to earn the title-chasing team the points after winger Luke Wanadio had equalised after the restart, with Whites having been awarded a controversial spot-kick of their own.

That came after Franklin Domi had put the Fleet ahead during their 2-1 victory.

The visitors had the first chance at Crabble in the sixth minute. A good passing move presented Dominic Poleon with an opportunity against his old club, only for home keeper Stuart Nelson to save.

Dover created their first opening in the 14th minute. Wanadio crossed from the right for Luke Baptiste but his effort was well charged down.

Ebbsfleet defender Haydn Hollis then fed Greg Cundle through, six minutes later. But home right-back Myles Judd forced the ex-Gillingham man to shoot wide.

The visitors put the ball in the net on the half-hour mark. But referee Abigail Byrne awarded Whites a free-kick after Toby Edser’s delivery had gone straight in.

Four minutes later, though, Dennis Kutrieb’s side netted in legal fashion to draw first blood. Domi ran onto a Christian N’Guessan through-ball and slammed past Nelson for his second goal of the season.

Up until that stage, the game plan set up by the hosts, led by interim joint-bosses Mike Sandmann and Mitch Brundle, had worked well.

Nelson made an important save on 41 minutes to palm away Cundle’s powerful shot before, moments later, Wanadio briefly threatened, but Whites trailed at the interval.

Four minutes after the restart, veteran Nelson once again had to be alert to thwart Bingham.

The home team had the ball in the net, seconds later. Dover midfielder Jordan Higgs found top scorer Alfie Pavey at the back post to slot home, only to be denied by the offside flag.

Whites were really pushing hard for a leveller and went close several times amid their best spell of the game during a more spirited second-half display.

Hollis blocked well from Pavey before strike partner Noah Carney rattled the crossbar, with skipper Lee Martin also firing over in the same passage of play.

Just after the hour, Dover defender Jake Goodman was an unlikely man to drive forward. His long-range strike whistled over.

But midway through the second period, the hosts’ endeavour saw them equalise. Hollis was adjudged to have fouled Pavey as the striker took a hand to the face when attempting to reach a long ball. Wanadio’s poor penalty was easily saved by away keeper Mark Cousins after a delay, however Wanadio slammed home the rebound to level things up.

With 15 minutes to play, Edser had a good chance for Ebbsfleet but, on a really tough surface, he spooned over.

Judd made a great block 10 minutes later to deny substitute Ben Chapman with the away team looking the more likely.

However, in the 87th minute, Bingham scored an 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Hollis had gone down under a challenge by Goodman after a goalmouth scramble following a corner before Bingham ensured the away fans went home happy.

Despite Dover pushing hard for a second equaliser, they were unable to find a goal to earn a point they had perhaps deserved.

The result leaves Ebbsfleet second, three points behind leaders and rivals Dartford but with three games in hand, while Whites are 16th.

There were two changes in the Fleet’s starting line-up, Domi and skipper Chris Solly came in for Craig Tanner and Alex Finney.

Whites were unchanged from their 1-0 success against Taunton on Tuesday, although Brundle wasn’t in the squad and Academy player Freddie Oliver was an unused substitute on the bench.

It was the third time this season the sides had met - Ebbsfleet winning on every occasion.

Dover Athletic: Nelson, Judd, Paxman, Goodman, Higgs, Pavey, Wanadio, Martin, Sterling, Carney (Kandi 59mins), Baptiste (Wilkinson 69mins). Subs not used: Agbebi, Byford, Oliver.

Ebbsfleet United: Cousins, Jombati, Sterling-James (McQueen 26mins), N’Guessan, Bingham, Poleon, Cundle (Chapman 60mins), Domi (Romain 79mins), Edser, Solly, Hollis. Subs not used: Paxman, Coulthrist.

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

Attendance: 967 (246 away).