My greatest achievement of my managerial career so far, says Martin Hayes

Sunday 07th November 2010

DOVER ATHLETIC Martin Hayes says beating Gillingham in the FA Cup First Round was his “greatest achievement” in his managerial career so far, writes Stephen McCartney.

Hayes’ heroes sent 2,300 Dover Athletic fans home from Priestfield Stadium proud as punch as goals from hot-property Adam Birchall (his 20th goal of the season) and Luke I’Anson ensured it was PAY-BACK time for the Gills.

Andy Hessenthaler, Darren Hare, Nicky Southall and Ian Hendon must now REGRET quitting Dover Athletic for Gillingham in the summer now as Hayes will forever be respected by the Crabble faithful for yesterday’s historic day in Medway.

Hayes told www.kentishfootball.co.uk yesterday: “It‘s been a dream start, the cup run has been great. To come here and get this result today, you know we hoped to come here, have a go and see what happens, but I‘m just chuffed for the players, to put on that performance, get the result and send the supporters home happy. I honestly thought we had a chance, but 2-0 was possibly a bit beyond my expectation.”

“We‘ve caught Gillingham at the right time. You can see they are not fluent, maybe lacking confidence, but they‘re looking for something to break the cycle.”

“It was a fabulous goal (by Birchall). The lads have been saying how light these balls are and he‘s just turned, hit it and it‘s flown in. He‘s on fire at the moment. He‘s a quality striker, a bit different to others out there.

“The second one helped and I was pleased with us first half. We expected the onslaught, with Gillingham attacking their end, we had to dig in and there were heroes all over the park; tackles, headers and Ross (Flitney) making good saves.

“If they‘d got a goal early we could have been under real pressure, then you never know, we could have panicked and they could easily have got a 2nd. I hate the 2-0 scoreline as it gives a false sense of security.”

“Ross had the first half off, so he had to work a bit in the 2nd. But that‘s what he‘s there for, he‘s a good keeper. They‘ve taken the game to Gillingham; the boys are tired in there, but are loving every minute of this. To see that many fans was fabulous, a real credit to the club.

“It felt like a long second half, but personally that‘s my greatest achievement in management career so far.”

Gillingham fan, Kate Garraway, of ITV Daybreak fame, pulled Dover Athletic out of the hat - and the Whites will meet either Brentford (League One) or Aldershot Town (League Two) in the Second Round of the FA Cup on 26 or 27 November.

“We‘re going to have a game in the 2nd round and I like the sound of that,” said 44-year-old Hayes.

“We’ve got to enjoy it while it lasts and make the most of it. The chairman would love a full house at home, maybe on Sky. It would be a great occasion for the club, but we’ll take whoever.”

It’s back down to earth at Crabble on Tuesday night, when arch-rivals Dartford visit Crabble in Blue Square Bet South.

The Darts were only seven minutes from knocking League Two high-flyers Port Vale out of the FA Cup, but

John McCombe cancelled out Elliot Bradbrook’s opener at Princes Park.

Hayes, who scored 5 goals in 18 games for Dover Athletic back in 1995 said: “The lads have now got to bounce back and play a derby against Dartford on Tuesday; a massive game although it’s probably one where no-one wants to be after today.

“We still need the three points though, as we’ve probably lost ground today, so we’ve got to keep ourselves in the title race.”

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

Dover Athletic v Dartford

Blue Square Bet South

Tuesday 9th November 2010

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB