My players have got to show their talents on the big stage, says Dover boss Martin Hayes

Thursday 04th November 2010

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Martin Hayes says leading goalscorer Adam Birchall is capable of knocking Kent rivals Gillingham out of the FA Cup on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former Barnet striker has scored 19 goals already this season (scoring in each of his last nine games) and with this First Round showdown, which conjures up plenty of interest, especially as Andy Hessenthaler, Darren Hare, Nicky Southall - and Ian Hendon - defected to Priestfield in the summer.

“It looks like he’s going to score goals all the time. The goals are flying in at all different angles and places and he‘s a big, big asset for us at the moment,” Hayes told www.kentishfootball.co.uk ahead of the eagerly awaited BATTLE OF KENT.

“He’s looking forward to the game. He was with Ian Hendon at Barnet and obviously under Hess as well so there’s loads of different stories around, between the two club’s at the moment and it’s all set up for a really thrilling encounter.”

Hayes took over after Hessenthaler’s decision to quit the club following three successful seasons to return back home to Gillingham and the sudden departure of his replacement, Hendon, after only three weeks in the job in a hectic summer.

But Hessenthaler is under fire at present, following a run of four games without a win, which has seen the Gills slump to 20th place in Npower League Two with relegation a real possibility.

“Certainly that all helps (us) without a doubt,” said Hayes. “They’re having a tough time, they’re not getting the results they want and if you lose games confidence, at any level, drops.

“We’ve got to take advantage of that but be wary of the backlash to it as well, as sides have a great way of having a really poor league form and then they go on big Cup runs.

“But we’re doing well, we’re playing with confidence, creating and scoring goals at the moment. We’re going to go and have a go at them and see what happens.”

With around 2,500 Dover fans travelling to Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, Hayes wants them to turn their attention into supporting the team and not dishing out abuse to former heroes.

Beating the Gills will be the pay-back that the loyal Crabble faithful are crying out for - and will turn Hayes into a cult-hero for ever.

“If we go and get a result the players and all of us could enjoy some cult status for a little while,” admitted Hayes.

“The lads have got a chance to create a little bit of history. It will be great to do it at their nearest, big rivals.

“It’s really caught the imagination, the FA Cup and everything and we just can’t wait for it to start really.

“The FA Cup throws up heroes and a little bit of fame for the club as well as personnel. We’ve got people like Adam Birchall, we’ve got young lads like Sam Long and Harry Baker that have come out of the professional game recently, all looking to do well and this is their chance to go and show people - we know they can play - but go and show it on a big stage and then hopefully it’s good enough on the day.”

Hayes added: “I don’t think there’s a great deal between the sides. They’re struggling a little bit but we’re playing well. We’re going to have to play to our best on Saturday and hop that they’re not.

“To come away with anything that’s my job between now and then to get the players up to that point.

“It’s going to be a massive atmosphere, a big buzz around the place,” added Hayes. “Players have got to forget what’s all going on and concentrate on playing their game and don’t get caught up in all the emotions flying around.

“We’ll have to whether the storm at times during the game. I just hope the occasion doesn’t get the better of them and they do what they’re supposed to do.

“We’ll have 2,500 fans cheering them on. Let’s hope we give them something to cheer about.”

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

Gillingham v Dover Athletic

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) First Round

Saturday 6th November 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Priestfield Stadium, Redfern Avenue, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4DD