Dover Athletic 1 Farnborough 3 match report: Forward Nick Dembele puts Whites ahead at Crabble but controversial first-half decisions consign them to another National League South defeat

A 23rd National League South defeat of the season at home to in-form Farnborough left Dover on the brink of relegation on Saturday.

Both of the away first-half goals came in controversial fashion, a penalty and their second coming from what appeared an offside goal by former Dover-player assistant Ricky Holmes. That left play-off chasing Farnborough ahead at half-time after Nick Dembele had netted for Whites to put them in front.

Aaron Kuhl then sealed the win to complete his brace in the second half as play-off chasing Farnborough secured a fifth straight victory as it ended 3-1.

Jake Leberl’s team drew first blood in fine fashion at Crabble after a dull first 14 minutes.

Forward Dembele had plenty to do when he collected Roman Charles-Cook’s low cross. But he cut inside well and scored, his shot crashing against visiting goalkeeper Jack Turner’s left-hand post before it found the net for Dembele’s third goal of the season.

Farnborough skipper Ollie Robinson had a chance to level four minutes later, only to volley wide after a corner had only been half-cleared.

But the visitors did equalise in the 24th minute. Referee Ayrton Hursey awarded a debatable spot-kick as Joseph Haigh went to ground under a challenge after on-loan home keeper Matthew Rowley had made two saves in quick succession.

Kuhl made no mistake. He powered home to spark celebrations from the Farnborough fans.

Spencer Day’s side, who headed into the game on the back of a four-match winning run, were now on top.

A shot by Holmes was deflected wide off Whites’ midfielder George Wilkinson on the half-hour mark before the same player nodded a corner inches over.

Five minutes later, Millar Matthew-Lewis struck narrowly wide as the pressure continued to mount.

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