Dover registered a third Vanarama Conference win in a week after beating Gateshead 1-0 at Crabble.

A stunning second-half volley from captain Connor Essam secured three points for his side to remain 10th ahead of Tuesday’s home clash with Grimsby Town.

The victory also completed the double over the Tynesiders following Whites’ 2-1 victory at the International Stadium in November.

It was also Dover’s first win against Gateshead at Crabble since September 1993 but it wasn’t a spectacle for the 725 fans present.

A first half of very few chances saw Essam going the closest for either side in the 35th minute.

His lob beat Gateshead goalkeeper Adam Bartlett before being cleared off the line by Valentin Gjokaj.

But eight minutes after half-time, Essam provided a moment of brilliance to brighten up a gloomy day at Crabble.

His volley from outside the box only looked destined for one place – the back of the net, and it was fitting to win any game. And so it proved.

Although Nicky Deverdics was inches away from doubling the lead after his free-kick flew just over in the 61st minute.

Ricky Modeste headed home in the 70th minute but was ruled offside and Bartlett made a smart save from Chris Kinnear Junior and also stopped Stefan Payne’s follow-up.

But one goal proved enough to beat a disappointing Gateshead and what a goal it was.