A back-to-basics policy is likely to be the Whites strategy this weekend as they face Hinckley United in an important game in their quest for qualification for Conference South.
A clear-the-air meeting was held before training on Tuesday to discuss the disappointing 5-1 hammering at Worcester but that has now been forgotten as they look to pick up the 15 points they feel is essential for qualification.
A four goal blast from City on Saturday just after half-time saw a shellshocked Whites easily defeated as the nerves regarding that top 13 finish start to emerge.
Keeper Paul Hyde, who has fought back into the side after another injury to rival Dave Wietecha, believes the Whites are easily good enough to qualify but all the players have to start performing.
He stated: “We are being punished for sloppy mistakes at the moment and that has got to change. We have some experienced players in the squad and along with the younger players we all have to start to perform. This weekend against Hinckley and the Chippenham game (the following Saturday) are vital for us and we need to pick up the points.”
The bright side for the Whites is that sides around them failed to pick up the points and they still lie within the top 13, though a win against the Knitters on Saturday will settle a few worries that have emerged among the supporters.
“We need to pick up points and the performances are secondary to that,” said Boss Richard Langley. “The expectation at this club is very high and I know the supporters were disappointed with the Worcester game but we performed poorly for a 15 minute spell and got punished. We need to be strong against a Hinckley side that are also desperate for Conference qualification. There are no easy games in this league and we need to stand up and get a result.”
Dover are without Jamie Day who serves a one match suspension, while Jones Awuah’s loan has ended as Gillingham were unwilling to extend it due to their on-going injury problems. Langley will also have to decide between Hyde and Dave Wietcha for the goalkeeping slot. The big stopper was due to play in the reserves on Wednesday to test his injured knee.
Jamie Day has been stripped of taking penalties after he missed his third of the campaign and the Whites’ fifth this season against Worcester; it is thought that either Craig Wilkins or Darren Davies will take over the duties from 12 yards.