The equaliser was a basic unforced error that was fully punished when a Higgs shot whistled into the corner of the net from 25 yards. Everything about it was infuriating. Dover had done nothing in attack since the first few minutes, then suddenly forced a brilliant save from Grainger with a header. The ball stayed in play with none of their players near it, panic over. We calmly began playing out from the back, then someone (I think it was Raymond but not sure) passed straight to Higgs under no pressure. More often than not they still wouldn't have scored from that situation. It was similar to his only Hamlet goal at Tonbridge last December.
We'd been dominant until then and a bigger lead wouldn't have flattered us. Dover showed much more urgency after half time and we were lucky not to fall behind, again conceding possession cheaply in dangerous areas on several occasions. There was one hilarious let off when the ball dropped nicely for their centre forward in the middle of the box following a melee. It seemed he only needed to sidefoot it into the gaping net with Grainger off balance and exposed, but instead he rifled a hard low shot straight at a teammate lying in the goalmouth and it somehow looped up and over the bar.
Dover seemed to settle for a point with 20 minutes to go. On a couple of occasions long balls forward went out for a throw near the corner flag and our full backs had all the time in the world to throw to Grainger without anyone pressing to cut off that option. Bringing on Smith and Owusu gave us a second wind in attack but Dover defended in depth and put bodies on the line to keep us out. A point apiece was fair enough on the whole.
Powell was impressive in the first half but faded a bit as Dover became more of a threat. It's asking a lot of such an inexperienced youngster to play as a number ten in this league but he looks more up to speed than some of those who've arrived from bigger clubs' development teams. Comley again appeared to lack the stamina or match fitness to complement his nous and composure in that half back role alongside Raymond. He seems to be very good for parts of games but can't do 90 minutes.
I wouldn't say those ex-players "didn't make the grade for us", even if I wouldn't take them back over what we now have. Higgs was excellent for me last season and was offered a new contract, which he declined. Sterling is a reliable squad player on the left of defence who contributed his fair share of goals and assists, although Wood is an upgrade. Wanadio is just a typical non-league winger who catches the eye at first, but doesn't deliver enough end product.
