DOVER Athletic missed out on the chance to close the gap on the leaders when they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Ryman League Division 1 strugglers Banstead Athletic on Tuesday.

The only thing Clive Walker's men had to show for their efforts was a late strike from Walid Matata, but by then it was already 2-0 to the home side.

In the same division, goals from Gary Abbott (15) and Jamie Kempster (87) gave Cray Wanderers their second victory over Ashford Town in a fortnight.

In the Ryman League Premier Division, Bromley earned an impressive point with a goalless draw at top-of-the-table Hampton & Richmond Borough. However, Margate travelled home from Heybridge Swifts with nothing after second half goals by Sean Marks and Erdem Arten condemned them to a 2-0 defeat.

A first minute goal from Clint Gooding set Sittingbourne on their way to a 3-1 win against Berkhamsted Town in Southern League Division 1 East. A late brace from Michael Smissen won it for the Brickies after the visitors had equalised on the hour mark.

But it was disappointment for Tonbridge Angels who missed out on a mouth-watering FA Trophy first round clash with Gravesend & Northfleet when they lost their third qualifying round replay at East Thurrock United 3-0.