Leyton 1 Dover 1

DOVER had to settle for a point at 10-man Leyton on Saturday, despite dominating possession and creating several chances.

Whites started brightly and went in front after 26 minutes when Matt Carruthers got on the end of Daniel Braithwaite’s flick across the box to half-volley home in fine style.

It was no more than the visitors deserved and they had several other chances to double their advantage before the break.

But the game changed after the sending off of Leyton’s Scott Curley in the 51st minute for a second bookable offence.

The dismissal seemed to stir the home side into action and they looked far more effective with 10 men than they had done with 11.

And it took them only four minutes to get back on level terms as Leli Bajada rose highest to head home from a corner past the helpless Paul Hyde.

Whites were on the back foot for the next 10 minutes, but did manage to recover their composure and Carruthers missed a golden opportunity to put them back in front when he somehow shot over from no more than four yards.

Leyton nearly snatched it late on, but Dean Readings was in the right place to clear off his own goal line.

On the balance of play Dover may feel they deserved a victory, but it was still important they picked up a point from a tough away fixture against a side in the top six of the Ryman Premier League.

In other results, Tonbridge continued to struggle with a 4-1 defeat at Windsor & Eton. Leroy Huggins scored Angels’ consolation goal. Folkestone Invicta’s match against Slough Town fell victim to the weather.