ANDY Hessenthaler's ambitious Dover Athletic drew their second home game in a row when neither they nor fellow play-off contenders Braintree Town could find a goal between them in a 0-0 stalemate at Crabble.

The result follows Whites' 1-1 draw against Maidenhead two weeks ago and puts a further huge dent in their hopes of a third successive promotion as they slumped even further down the table.

Only a terrific save from former Barnet keeper Ross Flitney preserved even a point for this lacklustre Dover side.

Dover began the season as odds-on title favourites but runaway leaders Newport County have done enough to convince the bookies that they are championship certainties with some already willing to pay-out on the Welshmen - managed by ex-Crazy Gang hero Dean Holdsworth.

Read Mark Winter in the Dover Express every Thursday