We have character in abundance, says focused Hessenthaler

With second placed Staines Town being held to a goal-less draw at Dartford, and Tonbridge Angels throwing away a 2-0 lead to end up drawing with Maidstone United, Hessenthaler’s charges moved yet another step closer to the title with a 2-1 win at Ashford Town (Middlesex) yesterday.

But Hessenthaler, speaking to BBC Radio Kent, says there will be no early celebration until their back-to-back title success is mathematically confirmed.

“Of course there’s a doubt, you know what I’m like,” he said. “We’re just looking forward to our next game and that’s on Monday night against Aveley in the League Cup, so that’s our next focus.

“We’re doing ever so well, I think that’s our eighth win now on the bounce. We’ve got to keep continuing that.

“People keep telling me that’s it, that’s it, but until it’s mathematically over then we’ll celebrate - but at the moment it’s the way we’ve got to be.”

The former Gillingham ace was pleased with his side, having came back from being 1-0 down at Short Lane yesterday.

“That’s something we’ve got in abundance, really good character,” said Hessenthaler.

“At half-time, obviously losing the game, probably didn’t deserve to be losing 1-0 at half-time. We had a few opportunities but we defended quite sloppy for their goal but second half we responded and thoroughly deserved to win the game. We should’ve scored more than two really.”

Quotes courtesy of BBC Radio Kent: www.bbc.co/uk/kent

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

Aveley v Dover Athletic
Ryman League Cup Third Round
Monday 19^th January 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Mill Filed, Mill Road, Aveley, Essex RM15 4SJ