Hare's tactical masterstroke pays off for title chasing Dover - EXCLUSIVE

DOVER ATHLETIC player-manager Andy Hessenthaler hailed his assistant Darren Hare for making tactical switches ahead of their romp over challengers Kingstonian on Monday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Whites turned on the style as they defeated the Surrey side three goals to nil - and Hessenthaler praised Hare for making changes that out-foxed Kingstonian.

“It was one of our best performances of the season,” Hessenthaler said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“To get a response like that against one of the better sides in the division was tremendous - I couldn’t have asked for anymore from the players.”

Hessenthaler admitted that he’s becoming “frustrated” by sides coming to SeaFrance Crabble Stadium and shutting up shop.

He said: “I was a little bit surprised that they didn’t set-up to try and win the game, they tried to frustrate us.

“They were more surprised by the way we set-up. We played three centre backs and two wing-backs.

“We just felt over the last few weeks, especially at home, we had to play with width. It worked well for us. It was a good all round team performance.

“It was a gamble that Darren Hare, my assistant and myself spoke about.

“Darren’s got to take a lot of credit for it. He looked at it and put it to me that we had to change it.

“It suited us on the night but every game’s different. It’s horses for courses but on that occasion against Kingstonian it worked really well for us.”

That fine result puts Dover Athletic level on points (54) with Tooting & Mitcham United and the former Gillingham star believes his side will clinch the title.

“We’ve got the two games in hand, it’s still in our hands and we don’t have to rely on anyone else,” he said.

“We’re not worried about anyone else. Every team has a little blip. We’ve only lost two games all season.

“For me two defeats in 24 games is a great achievement. If we lost another two games for the rest of the season that will be four games.

“I believe that will be enough to win this league so we have to concentrate on every game.

“We’ve still got to go to Tooting as well. It’s still well in our grasp, we’re confident and believe in ourselves and set-out what we wanted to do at the start of the season.”

Next up is the visit of Whyteleafe on Saturday, and Hessenthaler said: “Tough side. We played them earlier on in the season at their place and won 1-0 on a tricky pitch.

“We know we have to take it as another cup final for us. Every game for us is a cup game. That’s how we’re going to treat it to get promotion.”

On the playing side, Lawrence Ball serves a one-match ban having picked up five bookings and the versatile Craig Wilkins has had his knee operation and is expected to be out for another four or five weeks.

Sam Gore is nursing a thigh muscle injury and will be out for another week or so.

Hessenthaler added: “I have to make a decision to play myself in midfield and push Craig Cloke back in defence.”

Visit Dover Athletic’s websites: www.doverathletic.com & www.dafctv.co.uk

Dover Athletic v Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 26^th January 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At SeaFrance Crabble Stadium, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0PA