The do-or-die nature of this game for both sides was always likely to yield an encounter of high drama and tension, and so it proved. In one of the most dramatic endings ever to a game at Longmead Stadium, Nick Barnes gave Tonbridge all three points with a twice-taken penalty in the 98th minute which condemned Dover to relegation. However, wins for both Harrow and Cheshunt on the day also severely dented the Angels own chances of retaining their Premier Division status.

The Whites were pressing desperately for a winner when Steve Sodje broke clear down the right, only to be brought down by ex-Angel Nick Humphrey as he homed in on goal. There was little doubt about the penalty award, but a horrified Barnes put his first spot-kick over the bar. Tonbridge were reprieved when referee Ingram ordered a retake due to encroachment, and this time Barnes kept his nerve to beat 'keeper Paul Hyde comprehensively.

Richard Brady had given the Angels a 19th minute lead, beating Hyde on his near post after good work from John Farley to set up the chance. Dover replied with a penalty from Craig Cloke, awarded for handball against John Beales, but Tonbridge edged in front again just before the interval when Tim Hambley got the touch required on Barnes' well delivered corner. A mix-up between Jamie Turner and Mike Cramp gave ex-Longmead favourite Craig Wilkins a chance to bring Dover straight back, but he could only poke his shot wide.

The Whites pressed in determined fashion after the break, with skipper Cloke leading by example and getting in the thick of things all over the pitch. Cloke missed a good chance from a free kick, and Craig Roser's last ditch tackle denied substitute Walid Matata. Hyde just won a race with Brady to Hambley's through ball as the Angels continued to pose a threat on the break.

Anthony Hogg, another ex-Angel in the Whites line-up, should have done better with Daniel Braithwaite's well flighted free kick before Hyde was in action once more, beating away an effort from Barnes after Humphrey was dispossessed just outside the box. Cloke headed just wide again before the Angels' habit of conceding free kicks inside their own half finally caught up with them, Humphrey heading home from Narada Bernard's whipped in ball with just six minutes left to set up a see-saw finale.

With a draw of no use to either side, Hyde nervously saved Hambley's 90th minute free kick - but with Dover throwing everybody forward at the death, and the Referee playing a generous amount of stoppage time, Tonbridge eventually forced the all-important winner on the counter attack.

Report by: Tony Browne