We must maintain our high levels, says Hessenthaler

NO ONE can begrudge Dover Athletic’s players for putting their feet up this week, writes Justin Allen.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler gave his team Tuesday night off from training after 16 matches in nine weeks had left some batteries running near to empty.

With his men sitting four points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier table with games in hand over their nearest rivals, Hess can also rightly point out they deserve their breather.

Now the challenge begins again - with a tough-looking match at Canvey Island on Saturday.

Hess sent his assistant Darren Hare to Park Lane on Tuesday night, where he watched the Islanders get edged out of the FA Trophy by Cambridge City, who will now take on the Whites at Crabble on November 8.

"We killed two birds with one stone by watching Canvey on Tuesday," said Hessenthaler, speaking to www.doverathletic.com.

"We were playing Canvey obviously in the league but now we've been able to see what Cambridge are all about too.

"Canvey are a good side and, like all games in this division, it'll be another tough match as everyone wants to beat us.

I know a couple of their players. David Lee is a very good midfielder and, although they played on Tuesday and were taken to extra-time, we cannot count on them being too tired from that.

"If we start at a good tempo, we have a great chance. We generally get stronger as games go, so if start off at a good pace, we'll certainly gain an advantage.

"The lads have had a good rest this week, they needed it. The break in fixtures came at the perfect time for us as there were a few tired legs in there, but, now, we're fresh and raring to continue our form."

Ten wins out of 11 matches is impressive at any standard - and Whites have certainly set a good pace at the top of the table. However, with the nights drawing in and winter now upon us, the challenge to maintain that kind of form increases.

Points have to be ground out - and sometimes that will mean replacing attractive free-flowing football with the ugly stuff.

Saturday's 2-0 FA Trophy win at Staines was a prime example. It was not a game for the purists but a well-organised, solid Dover side prevented the hosts from creating a single chance and dug out an impressive win.

Hess said: "Certainly, it was a scrappy game. Staines, make no mistake, are an excellent side and we're due to go there again in a couple of weeks. They had a few injuries but had not lost at home all season.

To go somewhere like that and prevent them from creating a chance was a superb effort - and although it may not have been a pretty match to watch we got the job done, which is sometimes what we'll have to do.

"I've challenged the team to maintain the levels they've set. We've had injuries ourselves and players like Sam Gore and Laurence Ball have come in to do a terrific job.

"Laurence has been patient. He's had a lot of competition but because of injuries he's been given his chance - and done a superb job. We've been delighted with his attitude and performances.

"That's what having a squad is all about - and everyone is going to play a part if we're to get promoted again."

Striker Giuliano Grazioli is expected to be back in the squad after a lay-off but Jon Wallis is another "week or two" from being fully fit.

Olly Schulz is set to resume training next week after suffering from shin splints.

Hess said: "Olly has got what Craig Cloke had last season. He just needed a rest and I expect him to be back in training, then hopefully he won't be far away."

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Canvey Island v Dover Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 25^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7PX