Dover Athletic 3 Braintree Town 3 match report: Whites blow two-goal advantage in National League South match as two-goal Decarrey Sheriff and Luke Baptiste on target for Jake Leberl’s side at Crabble

Dover blew a two-goal lead in a thrilling National League South home match against Braintree on Saturday.

Two-goal Decarrey Sheriff had put Whites into a 2-1 half-time advantage, with Alfie Matthews also converting a penalty on his Crabble comeback in the first 45 minutes.

Attacking midfielder Luke Baptiste appeared to have sealed the points for Jake Leberl’s troops with a third, only for an own goal by defender Jalen Jones and a late goal from Louie Johnson to ensure it ended 3-3 at Crabble.

The visitors had created the first real opportunity when milestone man Mitch Walker got down low to save a fifth-minute shot by midfielder Reuben Swann.

Six minutes later, Johnson became the first player in referee Daniel Baines’ book for a late challenge on Dover’s Baptiste before, soon after, Steve Pitt’s side also had fellow midfielder Emmanuel Okunowo cautioned.

But the home team broke the deadlock as the game burst to life with 26 minutes played.

Defender Harry Beadle’s long throw was flicked on at the near post by fellow defender Jones.

The ball fell kindly to Guyana international Jones and, although he failed to connect, Sheriff hammered past new Braintree keeper George Barrett.

But Whites were dealt an injury blow when midfielder Jack Bates looked to have injured his groin and was replaced in midfield by George Wilkinson.

Matthews, 24, then found himself firmly in the thick of it towards the end of the first half.

With himself and Dover defender Dequane Wilson-Braithwaite on the ground, the latter picked up Matthews by the shirt and dropped him straight back down to the deck.

The away contingent - somehow - thought Wilson-Braithwaite had elbowed him, but referee Mr Baines just booked Wilson-Braithwaite.

Braintree were back