Dover Athletic 1

Two defeats over the Bank Holiday weekend confirmed a return to Ryman league football next season for the relegated U's.

On Saturday, United produced another dire performance at the Drill Field to lose 2-0 to Northwich Victoria.

The home side always looked the more likely to score, with Bates heading narrowly wide from a corner.

Just before half time, Vicary somehow dragged his shot across the face of the goal when clean through.

However, within minutes of the restart the home side took the lead when Cooke rose unchallenged to head home via the upright.

On 67 minutes, Vicary's left-wing cross was volleyed home in spectacular style by Owen, to make it 2-0.

Shortly afterwards, following a mistake by Howells, the ball came to Owen, but the United 'keeper made amends with a superb save and Harlow blocked the rebound effort from Cooke.

Newhouse produced United's only real chance late on in the match, but his cracking 30 yard volley rebounded off the crossbar.

On Monday, United suffered their fifth successive defeat at the hands of Dover Athletic.

Early on, ex-Sutton striker Mark Hynes came close with a 20 yard volley, then Ekoku saw his header saved at the other end.

Soon afterwards, Ekoku's cross was headed narrowly over by Winston.

United were reduced to 10 men on 34 minutes, when referee Ross dismissed Ekoku for a second bookable offence - United's ninth sending-off of the season.

The hot-headed United forward had to be restrained by his team-mates, before finally leaving the pitch.

Early in the second half, Winston was sent through down the left, but somehow shot wide from close range.

On 57 minutes, Dover won the game in bizarre fashion. Gwynne Berry, who has failed to score (at the right end) in 330 appearances for the U's, was put under pressure by Mark Hynes and lobbed the ball over his own 'keeper and into the net.

Substitute Forrester was later fouled by Leberl just outside the box, but Skelly's free-kick was pushed over the bar by 'keeper Hyde.

On Wednesday night, United entertain champions Kidderminster, then go to Hereford next Saturday for their final Conference match.