Dover had a defensive nightmare for the second consecutive weekend, conceding four at Gateshead after giving up five to Chester seven days previously.

Despite taking the lead in the first half thanks to Ricky Miller, the Whites conceded two within the next ten minutes.

Gateshead, who hadn’t scored in over seven hours at home, continued their momentum into the second half, scoring a third before Miller scored his second of the afternoon to bring it back to 3-2.

It wasn’t enough though as Sam Jones completed a standout performance by rifling home his team’s fourth, and his second of the day before missing a penalty.

Chris Kinnear’s side made the long trip north looking to extend their lead over their north east opponents. Dover started the day three places ahead of Gateshead. The whites made the trip north knowing they’d be forced to pick from a small squad.

Kinnear made two changes from the team who beat Sutton 3-1 during the week, Sam Magri, who was on international duty with Malta under 21s was replaced by Loui Fazakerley while Mitch Pinnock came in for Moses Ademola.

It only took five seconds for Doer to have the opening chance of the game. Straight from kick off the ball fell to Ricky Miller from Ross Lafayette’s flick on and, finding himself in plenty of space, the attacker hit a left footed strike onto the post.

The visitor’s early pressure continued as the game reached ten minutes. Jim Stevenson was able to meet Mitch Pinnock’s corner at the far post, only to head his effort wide.

But it was Miller who continued to cause the most issues for Gateshead’s defence. He won a corner after a shot was deflected by Jamal Fyfield and soon after he hit a volley over after being found by Lafayette.

It took a while for it to happen, but Gateshead began to create chances for themselves after 20 minutes. Dan Jones, playing his debut for The Heed fired over before Russell Penn was unable to convert from a Mitch Brundle corner.

The first goal came after 35 minutes as Gateshead’s defensive instability became obvious again. After they were unable to clear Mitch Pinnock’s corner Jack Parkinson did well to rifle a shot past Dan Hanford.

However, their lead lasted less than 60 seconds. Gateshead pushed forward from kick off and caught Dover asleep at the back. Sam Jones’ initial shot was well saved by Mitch Walker, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Wes York’s powerful rebound into the roof of the net.

The turnaround was completed within ten minutes as, with time running out in the first half, Sam Jones turned well with his back to goal before finding the bottom corner of Mitch Walker’s net with a weak attempt.

Gateshead’s momentum continued into the second half and it only took three minutes for them to extend their lead. Paddy McLaughlin picked the ball up in midfield before taking the ball through the Der defence and calmly sliding a shot past Mitch Walker.

The Kent side looked to work their way back into the game as quickly as possible. Ricky Miller was unable to convert three minutes after his side went two goal down. His weak shot was easily gathered after being put under pressure from a one on one situation.

Miller was finally able to find his second goal of the afternoon on 57 minutes though. The striker was able to put an end to a swift counter attack by sliding a shot home from Ross Lafayette.

However Gateshead came back within two minutes thanks to Sam Jones’ second goal of the game. Taking the ball on the corner of the area and firing an impressive shot past Mitch Walker.

Jones had a chance to complete his hat trick just minutes later. After the referee spotted a foul from a corner he pointed to the spot, only for the attacker to smash his kick against the crossbar.

Mitch Walker continued to be kept busy, denying Jones again and getting down well to stop a low cross from Wes York as both teams continued to push forward. But the goalkeeper could do nothing about Sam Jones’ next effort. Luckily for Doer though, he could only hit the side netting, meaning the hosts kept their two goal lead until the final whistle.

Dover dropped down one place to ninth following their result. They will look for a change to their form away from home when they travel to Burgess Hill Town in the FA Cup next weekend.

Gateshead: Hanford, Smith, Hogan, Fyfield, York (Styche, 76.), Brundle, Jones, Penn, Bell (Mafuta, 85), Jones, McLaughlin

Subs not used: Johnson, Wrightson, Hannant

Dover Athletic: Walker, Thomas, Kinnear (Moore, 89), Stevenson, Miller, Pinnock, Fazakerley, Grimes, Sterling, Parkinson, Lafayette

Subs not used: Ayomide Obileye, Marsh, Howlett- Mundle, Jackson

Attendance: 688 (67 away fans)