Dover had to settle for a point after a disappointing goalless draw against Braintree Town in the Vanarama National League clash at Crabble on Tuesday.

Whites created very little in a game dominated by the visitors, especially in the first half.

To complete a miserable night for Dover, midfielder Jack Parkinson was sent off eight minutes from time for violent conduct after appearing to throw a punch.

Dover goalkeeper Mitch Walker made the first save of the night in 11th minute, going low to gather Taylor Miles shot.

Sam Habergham then tried his luck from distance which Walker was happy to see fly not far wide.

Walker was certainly the busier of the goalkeepers and he had his hands stung by Simeon Akinola's fierce drive from inside the box as Braintree continued to threaten.

Boss Chris Kinnear had seen enough of his side being bossed by the visitors and made an attacking change to his formation in the 27th minute.

He replaced Naby Diallo, who started in place of the suspended Stefan Payne, with striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong.

But it was Parkinson, who went close to breaking Braintree's hold on the game.

Sam Magri sent over a cross which Parkinson connected sweetly with only to see it deflected over for a corner.

Defender Richard Orlu was the next to try his luck after finding himself with a bit of space after winning the ball off Chez Isaac 20 yards out - his shot finished almost as far wide.

Walker denied Kenny Davis from close range four minutes before half-time but Dover had one last chance to test Will Norris.

It didn't happen - Nicky Deverdics free-kick sailed harmlessly over to end a disappointing first half performance.

Ricky Miller ensured Dover started the second half a lot better than the first, forcing Norris into a save just four minutes after the restart.

Liam Bellamy was next to have a go, heading Deverdics' corner over as Dover tried to get a hold on the game.

But Braintree were not about to let that happen with Dan Sparks, their leading scorer this season, going close in a matter of minutes.

He first saw a shot across the box go just wide before Walker saved his next attempt from just inside the box.

Braintree continued to press and it need a great clearance from Aswad Thomas in the six-yard box in the 68th minute to keep it goalless.

Four minutes later, Norris produced a fine diving save to turn away Miller's 20-yard curling free-kick.

Dover had a claim for a penalty waved away in the 77th minute after Sean Raggett's header from Deverdics' corner appeared to be handled on the line but it was ruled the ball had gone out of play first.

Parkinson then saw red after appearing to hit out at Mark Philips.

The point sees Dover move up to 10th, just a point and a place behind Braintree.

Dover: Walker, Raggett, Grimes, Orlu, Magri, Parkinson, Miller, Bellamy, Sterling (Thomas 46mins), Miller, Diallo (Ofori-Acheampong 27mins, Gibbs 88mins). Subs not used: Rafferty Ajala. Attendance: 638