Dover Athletic were made to pay for failing to take their chances as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Macclesfield Town in Vanarama Premier on Saturday.

Chris Kinnear’s side were made to pay for failing to capitalise on their possession and a glut of openings, while Town took the only real opportunity presented to them.

Jake Reid saw an early header blocked by the Silkmen defence while Town keeper Rhys Taylor was not really tested by a long-range volley from Matt Lock on eight minutes.

In a half of few chances, Chris Kinnear Jr saw a wayward drive blocked by teammate Ricky Miller while Tom Bonner needed to redeem himself at the other end after his slip also presented the visitors with a one-on-one.

Will Haining’s tame header at Mitch Walker was the closest Macclesfield came before the break and it was Whites who looked likelier to break the deadlock after the turnaround as first Miller headed a cross narrowly over and then the frontman burst through the defence and cut inside before curling narrowly over.

Reid hit the post just before the hour after a long throw was flicked on but he lashed another chance off-target while Miller beat Taylor from an acute angle but his effort flew wide.

Taylor superbly denied Nick Deverdics’ dipping drive, tipping the ball over for a corner, while he was able to watch a Craig Stone volley sail over on 74 minutes.

The only goal arrived against the run of play three minutes later when Dover gifted Chris Holroyd possession and the Macc hitman was able to bear down on Walker’s goal before firing home.

Miller jinked past two markers but curled another effort over the top soon after as Dover pressed, with Nathan Elder heading straight at Taylor from a cross from Christian Nanetti, who fired another chance over late on.

Whites are a point and a place above Dartford, who occupy the final place in the relegation zone, and whom Dover will visit on Tuesday for the Kent derby (7.45pm).