Dan Smith’s brace led Folkestone to an Isthmian Premier Kent derby victory at Dover in a match which lived up to the billing on Tuesday evening.
Striker Smith struck early and Tom Derry controversially doubled their lead, only for Whites forward George Nikaj to pull one back.
Dover’s task became much harder as Harrison Pont was sent off and Smith completed his double and, although substitute Jaiden Drakes-Thomas gave Whites late hope during a resilient display, it finished 3-2 in front of a huge crowd of 2,495.
It had taken Folkestone less than 70 seconds to break the deadlock at Crabble. Derry battled for the ball in the Whites’ penalty box and it fell kindly for Smith, who emphatically hammered past goalkeeper Mitch Walker.
Related News