Dover's hopes of reaching the Vanarama Conference play-offs ended with a 3-1 loss at Chester on Saturday.

Chester ended Whites' four-game unbeaten streak by scoring three second half goals after Stefan Payne had give his side a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Payne, who scored twice in the win against Woking at Crabble on Monday, opened the scoring in the 36th minute after firing home Tom Murphy's header from Ricky Modeste's cross.

But it only took Chester 30 seconds into the second half to get back on level terms following an error by goalkeeper Mitch Walker.

Walker let Oliver McBurnie's weak close range shot slip through his grasp following an impressive run by winger Matty Hughes.

Chester, who were on a three-game losing streak, took the lead in the 59th minute after Craig Hobson headed home John Rooney's corner at the near post.

And it was Rooney, brother of England and Manchester United striker Wayne, who ensured his side won the three points.

The midfielder curled a 25-yarder past Walker in the 73rd minute to make it 3-1 and end Dover's faint hopes of reaching the play-offs.

Despite the loss, Whites moved up a place to eighth on goal difference after Halifax lost 3-0 at leaders Barnet.

Earlier, boss Chris Kinnear had to make one enforced change to his starting line-up from the win over Woking at Crabble with Tom Wynter replacing Sean Francis (dead leg).

Dover: Walker, Essam, Raggett, Orlu, Wynter (Cogan 86mins), Sterling, Taiwo (Bellamy 72mins), Deverdics, Modeste, Payne, Murphy (Poole 78mins). Subs not used: Kinnear, O'Cearuill.

Attendance: 1,645.