Our football is out of this world, says Welford

SHAUN WELFORD loves getting pats on the back from jubilant Dover Athletic fans in the Centre Spot, writes Justin Allen.

The popular Geordie striker is enjoying his best season in a White shirt – having already scored 13 goals and looking well set to make the 20 target he set himself in August.

Having had a frustrating first spell at the club before moving to Ramsgate, he is delighted to be a major player in Andy Hessenthaler’s all-conquering squad.

The workaholic Whites star told www.doverathletic.com: “It’s a pleasure to play for Dover Athletic. It’s a great club and now has a great team to go with it.

“The football that the gaffer has got the team playing is out of this world and being 20 points clear at the top of the table following a title and promotion last season just proves it.

“I was always confident of getting goals here because the team creates so many chances. I had a bit of a slow start but now the ball is hitting the back of the net on a regular basis - and that’s ultimately what judges us strikers.

“This is an excellent team and the outstanding side at this level. Chelmsford were the runaway leaders last season and AFC Wimbledon went up with them via the play-offs. Look where they are now. Right at the top of the Blue Square South, which tells me there will not be too big a jump for us next season too, although obviously we will have to step up a gear.

“Although there’s always pressure on strikers to score goals, I have to say it is taken off somewhat by the amount of goals we score from midfield and defence. Jon Wallis can score goals, Alan Pouton scores goals, Sammy Moore can bang them in - and then you have James Rogers scoring from defence.

“There is quality across the park – and that is the reason why we win the tight games, which may otherwise have been draws.

“But, on a personal level, it’s great that fans have taken to me. I always believed in my ability and just keep working hard - now I think everyone can see that.”

His red card against Margate was clearly harsh - and Welford is confident of winning an appeal, based on DAFCtv’s highlights of the game.

He said: “The referee told me both my feet were off the ground and that’s why he had to send me off, but that is not the case. We’ve looked at the highlights where it clearly shows I never lunged in like that.

“Referees obviously don’t have the benefit of replays and have a very tough job - and hopefully with the benefit of the highlights the ban will be overturned.”

As things stand, Shaun will serve a three-match ban - but if the appeal is not successful his suspension will be upgraded to four games.

He said: “We feel so strong about this and that’s why we’re appealing. The replay is clear and I’m reasonably confident that the correct decision will be made.”

Shaun, meanwhile, although not wanting to tempt fate, says the team would dearly love to win the title BEFORE EASTER.

“Not many teams blow a 20-point lead at the top of a table,” said Shaun. “We could go 23 points clear because Staines are without a game when we're playing again. Then they’ve got to pretty much go on a run better than us - and hope we also hit relegation-style form - to take the championship from us.

“But we’re not thinking the title is won, we continue to take one game at a time - and look to rack up more points, and extend the lead even further. It’s a huge pleasure for us.”

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com  

Dover Athletic v AFC Hornchurch
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 10^th January 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Perrys Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB