AWAY-DAY DELIGHT FOR THE WHITES’ ACE EFFIONG

DOVER made it three wins out of three on the road to inflict Sutton’s first defeat of the season and swap places with their hosts in the league table.

After Sutton had deservedly cancelled out Ricky Modeste’s opener through Jamie Collins’ free-kick on the stroke of half-time, Dover struck early in the second half through Inih Effiong, a constant threat and always available for the ball played out from defence, and then managed the game excellently to claim all three points and keep up their good record at Gander Green Lane.

Dover’s management of the game pleased manager Andy Hessenthaler, who said afterwards: “I thought we were excellent after the second goal and deserved to win.

“The first half was more even, both teams had chances, but we had words at half-time and in the end I’m delighted with the win.’’

Sutton’s manager Matt Gray reflected: “It’s very disappointing, especially in the way we conceded both goals, but we struggled to make an impact after the second goal against a very organised and professional side.’’

Dover led from the tenth minute when Jai Reason delivered a free-kick from the halfway line and Sutton failed to track Modeste, who diverted a volley past the helpless Jamie Butler.

But Sutton responded well and although Butler had to make one brilliant save to turn over Effiong’s volley, and also dived at the striker’s feet after a mistake by Ben Goodliffe had left him free, Sutton had good chances of their own.

Lee Worgan saved well from Harry Beautyman, who also headed wide from Rob Milsom’s freekick when he should have done better, but U’s efforts were rewarded when Beautyman was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by Michael Woods, who picked up the afternoon’s only booking, and Collins drove an unstoppable free-kick in to the top far corner of the net.

U’s began the second half on the front foot, boosted by the equaliser, and almost went in front when Worgan again denied Beautyman from close range, but instead they were behind within seconds as the resulting clearance found Effiong getting the better of Dale Bennett and lifting the ball in to the net past Butler, who was again stranded.

From that point Sutton found it hard to break through a superbly organised Dover defence and only in the dying minutes did they test Worgan, the goalkeeper dealing comfortably with two shots from substitute George Tuson-Firth.

It was at the other end that the scoreline looked more likely to change as Effiong hit the side netting and was again denied by Butler’s fine save.