Hessenthaler's charges turn on the lights

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Andy Hessenthaler heaped praise on battering ram striker Shaun Welford, who starred during their 3-0 home win over Tonbridge Angels today, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Whites remain eight points clear at the top off the Ryman Premier League table with a satisfying derby day success over their Kentish rivals.

It had been a pretty even first half with chances at both ends, but rampant Dover broke the deadlock just 76 seconds into the second half through Frannie Collin’s fourteenth goal of the season before goals from Sammy Moore and Lawrence Ball swiftly followed to end the game as a contest after 58 minutes.”

Hessenthaler, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after their seventh home win on the bounce, was pleased with the Northumberland born striker’s performance.

“He’s got no critics in our dressing room because we know what he can do and again today he epitomised our performance,” said Hessenthaler.

“He’s work-rate was absolutely fantastic and where he got the right wing cross from were not sure. We’re not actually sure in the changing room!

“The players are actually giving him a bit of stick tonight because he’s not produced that, I’ve not seen him do that before. I’d rather see him in the box heading them in!

“But it’s a fantastic cross and a fantastic hit from Sammy Moore - so great performance from him. Shaun’s deserved man-of-the-match, he’s consistent at the moment - he’s been fantastic.”

Hessenthaler was anticipating a tough contest against Tommy Warrilow’s Angels, although he was pleased that his table-topping side maintained their 100% home record.

He said: “It’s a great feeling, three-nil, a clean sheet, which we haven’t had for a while.

“But seven wins at home, against a very strong outfit, Tommy Warrilow, I know well, and they play to their strengths. They’re a strong, physical side and there was nothing in the first half.

“Second half we got a goal early and it settled us down and we went on to play some decent football and in the end I thought we deserved to win the game.”

Hessenthaler said Warrilow got his tactics right to stifle his side during an even first half, before three goals in the first 13 minutes changed the game.

“You’ve got to five them some credit, they’ve done their homework,” said Hessenthaler.

“They know we like to pass the ball on our pitch and they made it difficult for us, but I always feel the longer the game goes on our stamina and the way we pass and use the ball comes to fruition at the end - and it did today.

“There were some tremendous goals, some good performances and really pleased we got the clean sheet as well.”

Dover Athletic are not only shining lights on the pitch, as Hessenthaler explained.

“I’m actually turning the Christmas lights on in Dover (tonight), which I’m very honoured to do,” he said.

“It’s the first time I’ve actually done anything like this so I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve had a bit of stick about the situation but I’m going to go there, Darren (Hare) and myself (to) turn the lights on and then we’ve got a night out with the lads tonight.

“We’ve got an early Christmas party because we can’t really fit it in December as we’ve got so many games.”

Ever so professional Hessenthaler will ensure his players don’t over indulge tonight, as they’re back on the pitch on Tuesday night.

And the Gillingham legend is expected to make changes for the Ryman League Cup Second Round home tie against Canvey Island.

The Essex side go into the game in fourth place in the Ryman Premier League table - ten points behind the Whites, having played three games more.

A 3-2 win over their Essex rivals Heybridge Swifts extended their unbeaten run to five games today, but Hessenthaler revealed he will make changes for the Crabble cup game.

“It’s another game so we’ll treat it as serious as we should do,” he said.

“We’ll go and pick a side for that game, we’ll make some changes.

“We’ve played them earlier on in the season and we won 3-0 so we’re at home and we’ll pick a team for that game.”

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com

Dover Athletic v Canvey Island
Ryman League Cup Second Round
Tuesday 2^nd December 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Perrys Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB