Connor Essam rescues a point for Dover against Ebbsfleet

Connor Essam’s header ended Dover’s run of four straight defeats and grabbed a point in the Kent derby against Ebbsfleet.

Darren McQueen had put the visitors in front after just 12 minutes with a low shot which deflected in off Dover defender Tim Schmoll.

Ebbsfleet piled on the pressure and should have increased their advantage when Dean Rance headed a fine chance wide from a right-wing cross.

The visitors lost captain Dave Winfield just past the half hour and Dover took advantage with Essam equalising two minutes later from a Mitch Brundle free-kick.

Winfield’s replacement Sam Magri had the ball in the net for Ebbsfleet midway through the second half but his effort was ruled out for offside.