Dover Athletic 1 Hemel Hempstead Town 2 match report: Whites suffer fifth successive defeat as they lose National League South game despite George Nikaj’s first-half goal

Dover’s losing run extended to five matches as they were edged out by promotion-chasing Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.

Whites conceded early and, although forward George Nikaj levelled on 21 minutes, away top scorer Millar Matthews-Lewis’ second goal proved decisive as the National League South fixture finished 2-1 at Crabble.

Dover now haven’t won since their 1-0 success at Chesham United on December 6.

The hosts endured a terrible start as they fell behind, with Ryan Hanson struggling to get back to his feet after a second-minute midfield challenge.

Matthews-Lewis bundled home after Whites keeper and captain Mitch Walker had tipped the away side’s initial effort by debutant Oliver Davis against the crossbar.

Dover’s first chance came when Nikaj nodded over a corner from Luke Baptiste in the 16th minute.

Three minutes later, the same player had home penalty appeals dismissed by referee Craig Barnett as he went down under a challenge from defender James Bateson.

But it was third time lucky for the Albanian when he guided Decarrey Sheriff’s left-wing delivery past away goalkeeper Michael Johnson and into the bottom corner in glorious style.

Johnson then got a vital touch on another cross by Sheriff from the left flank as Nikaj again loomed shortly after the half-hour mark.

Mr Barnett was again unmoved when fifth-placed Hemel appealed for a penalty after a challenge by left-back Fuad Sesay in the 39th minute.

As the pitch cut up - despite having passed a 9am pitch inspection - left winger Davis curled wide of Walker’s left-hand post after a swift counter-attack. That came after Whites had seen successive goal-bound shots blocked from corners.

Away right winger Jack Lorentzen-Jones flashed across goal inside 40