Fight for top five goes to wire

DOVER Athletic were forced to settle for a share of the spoils at the Megger Community Stadium as George Nikaj’s second-half header salvaged a 1-1 draw against ten-man Hastings United in their penultimate fixture of the Isthmian League Premier Division season.

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The Draw comes after Dover lost 3-1 at Dartford on Saturday - Ruben Soares-Junior the scorer.

With just one game remaining, the Whites’ play-off hopes hang in the balance, needing at least a point at Chichester City next weekend to secure a top-five finish.

The game started evenly, with both sides probing cautiously in the opening exchanges. Hastings posed an early threat via their trademark long throw-ins, but neither side created anything clear-cut until the ninth minute when a teasing cross from the visitors was inexplicably skied over from close range.

Dover gradually gained control of possession, with George Nikaj looking sharp. His half-volley in the 19th minute forced a smart save at the near post. Despite their increasing dominance, clear chances were few and far between for the hosts.