Levi Amantchi marked his return to the starting XI by scoring the winning goal for Maidstone against Dover.

The big striker, who’s had to settle for a place on the bench in recent matches, grabbed the only goal of a low-key Kent derby shortly before half-time.

It was his 16th goal of the season while the Stones picked up a welcome clean sheet after shipping five at Hampton & Richmond on Saturday.

Dover are now 16 league games without a win in National League South, a run stretching back to August.

A flat first half at the Gallagher Stadium didn’t get going, with little in the way of action at either end to spark the crowd into life.

It was difficult to see that changing before half-time but Maidstone had other ideas, taking the lead three minutes before the break.

It came from the first real bit of quality of the night with skipper Sam Corne going on a lovely run into the Dover box to create an opening for Michael Petrasso.

The Canadian midfielder’s first-time shot was saved by Billy Terrell but Amantchi continued his habit of being the right place at the right time to bury the rebound.

The goal extended Dover’s wait for a clean sheet to 25 games.

Earlier, Devonte Aransibia had an effort blocked for the Stones.

Dover’s best opening of the half was wasted with Dontai Stewart miscontrolling Joshua Anifowose’s cross.

Maidstone looked brighter in attack after the break.

They picked their passes better, with Aransibia growing in influence, but openings were still few and far between.

Sol Wanjau-Smith saw an effort blocked at the near post from Matt Rush’s cut-back - it was possibly going wide - while Terrell was lucky to get away with fumbling strikes from Rush and Amantchi.

Dover had a willing runner up top in half-time substitute Nick Dembele but they didn’t look like scoring.

A couple of good balls threatened to get the visitors in on goal but they were comfortably snuffed out by the Stones defence.

They had a half-chance when a deep cross landed on Anifowose’s head but the ball dropped wide.

There were late openings for Sam Bone and Amantchi – including a golden opportunity in added time - as Maidstone had chances to cement victory.

Maidstone: Covolan, Fowler, Brown, Corne, Wanjau-Smith (Coleman De-Graft 83mins), Aransibia, Rush, Bone, Amantchi, Gurung (Reynolds 56mins), Petrasso (Sole 68mins). Subs not used: Earle, Iandolo.

Dover: Terrell, Christie, Dunne, Powell (Young 61mins), Anifowose, Allen, Mensah, Hatcher (Dembele 46mins), Stewart, Oyenuga, Lock (Baptiste 84mins). Subs not used: Nikaj, Charles-Cook.

Referee: Dean Skipper.

Attendance: 1,867 (150 away).