DOVER ARE THE AWAY MASTERS
DOVER showed jusy they’ve got the best away record in the National League as they collected all three points in a tight Kent derby at Ebbsfleet United.
Andy Hessenthaler’s side registered their eighth success in 12 matches on the road this season thanks to Michael Woods’ 14th-minute stunner.
The win – just two days after Whites defeated Bromley at Crabble – moves Dover to within two points of the play-off places.
“Ebbsfleet made it really difficult for us in the second half but our performance showed why we’ve got the best away record in this league,” said boss Hessenthaler.
“Michael Woods was due a goal and we worked it really well. It was a fantastic bit of play and a fantastic strike.
“Ebbsfleet are fighting for their lives, like we were last year, and they’ll be disappointed not to get something from the game.
“That’s what we do on our travels and that’s why we’ve got the record we’ve got.”
Dover dominated the opening half-hour and Effiong also headed wide early on before Woods put his side ahead. A neat move by the visitors saw the tricky Jack Munns feed the ball into Inih Effiong, and his early lay-off saw Woods produce an unstoppable rightfoot shot into the top corner from just inside the area.
Ebbsfleet went close before the break when Jack King’s header from Myles Weston’s free-kick was saved but Gozie Ugwu was isolated on too many occasions up front.
That changed after the restart as Fleet stepped up a gear. Ugwu nearly claimed an equaliser when he beat the offside trap but keeper Yusuf Mersin got down to make a fine save.
Mersin was at it again 11 minutes from time, turning behind Ayo Obileye’s left-foot volley from the edge of the box before Jai Reason cleared Tyler Cordner’s header from the resulting corner off the line.
Dover sub Ade Yusuff shot just wide late on before Obileye’s effort in stoppage time lacked power as Ebbsfleet piled bodies forward.
Fleet boss Kevin Watson said: “We played excellently, especially after the first 15-20 minutes. Dover had two shots and one of them went in. In the second half we passed it well, created chance after chance and the only thing I can be critical about is the shooting and the crossing.
“It was arguably as good as we’ve played but we know football is a funny game.
“Words fail me but it’s our own fault for getting into the positions and not being ruthless enough.”