Skipper Shane Huke headed a dramatic late winner to keep Dover’s Blue Square Bet South play-off hopes alive at Longmead.

There were just two minutes remaining when Huke (pictured) powered home Barry Cogan’s corner to give the Whites their first win four matches.

Manager Nicky Forster was delighted with the performance and hopes they can now build on it for the remaining games.

He said: “It was a terrific game and probably a bit too open for both managers.

“It probably could have been 7-6 but we were delighted to finally get the winner.

"We put on a good show of strength today against a side who were in good form.

"We had to be at our best and I thought we were pretty good. It gives us a springboard to go on to a big game on Monday (Chelmsford).”

Tonbridge manager Tommy Warrilow added: “The manner of the winning goal, from a set piece was disppointing but fair play to Dover. We had some good chances but we got hurt with a free header from a corner."

Dover went into the game on the back of three successive defeats - all at home - and with Tom Wynter injured, boss Foster gave a league debut to academy defender Lloyd Harrington.

Jemal Johnson started in midfield while Glen Southam dropped down to the bench, with George Purcell omitted all together.

Before a crowd of 940, the first half lived up to expectations with four goals in the opening 27 minutes.

Tonbridge took the lead from the game’s first corner after nine minutes with centre-half Tim Olorunda forcing the ball home after Sonny Miles had headed against the crossbar.

However, within six minutes Dover were level. Some good play down the right ended with Donovan Simmons crossing into the box and although Terry Dixon’s header was saved by Lee Worgan, the former Spurs man followed up to blast home.

Simmonds was involved again as Dover took the lead in the 24th minute releasing Billy Bricknell, who was brought down by home keeper Lee Worgan as he attempted to round him.

Worgan was booked for the challenge and from the spot Bricknell made him pay again, by hitting his 17 goal of the season.

Barely had Dover's celebrations died down than parity was restored as debutant Harrington brought down divisional top scorer Frannie Collin, who picked himself up to convert the spot kick to claim his 29th goal of the season and his 50th in all competitions for Angels.

Only a terrific block by Ian Simpenda denied Collin another goal just after the hour half but Dover continued to look dangerous on the break with Dixon and Bricknell both forcing good saves from Worgan.

Both sides continued to create chances in the second half with Dover keeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz doing well to deny Chris Parker and then Collin before the hour.

At the other Worgan saved with his legs from Dixon and from the loose ball Barry Cogan’s follow-up was blocked by a defender.

Then, just when it seemed the teams would have to settle for a point apiece Cogan centred and Huke headed home to keep Whites in the top six.

Do you think Dover have what it takes to stay in the play-offs or is their home form going to cost them? Leave your comments below