Dover Athletic recorded an important win at Eastleigh as their bid to reach the Blue Square Bet South play-offs gathered pace.

George Purcell fired over the bar early on while at the other end Bradley Bubb hit a free-kick over the top before red-hot Billy Bricknell put Whites - wearing their gold and black change shirts - ahead with his fifth goal in five games, slotting home unmarked at the far post on 21 minutes.

Glen Southam tested Jack Dovey in the Eastleigh goal again soon after but the hosts drew level on 26 minutes when Chris Flood was played through to slot under Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz.

Parity didn't last long however as Dover were back in front on 29 minutes when Cogan fired in a free-kick which evaded everyone and found the corner of the net after Gary Elphick had fouled Bricknell on the left.

Purcell sliced another shot over when well-placed and Glen Southam ensured Whites went in ahead at the break, pressuring Ian Herring into volleying wide from close range.

It took Dover just three minutes to extend their lead after the break and it was that man Bricknell again, collecting a fine pass from Southam on the left and racing past the keeper before slotting into the net.

Donovan Simmonds cleared a near-post cross at the other end while Jaimez-Ruiz tipped a dangerous cross over the bar before he was beaten by a header, only for the bar to come to his rescue to keep it at 3-1.

However, it was 3-2 on 69 minutes when Lee Peacock headed home a corner from close range five minutes into his debut after coming off the bench.

Peacock drilled another attempt just wide as Eastleigh pressed for a leveller and Jaimez-Ruiz kept Dover in front with another save before Jamie Slabber twice flicked headers past the post late-on.

Dover held out to close within three points of fifth-placed Chelmsford City - who lost 3-2 at fourth-placed Sutton United - though Whites do have a game in hand.

How many goals do you think Billy Bricknell can end up with this season? Leave your comments below.