*BS*WHITES supremo Clive Walker is expecting a stern test on Saturday against high-flying Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford and urges the fans to be the 12th man for Dover.*BF*
The experienced boss gave an audio interview to WhitesLive and spoke about preparing for the big game on Saturday, injury issues and how the fans have been outstanding this season.
Speaking to Justin Allen about Saturday’s match, Clive said: “It’d be nice to get in the first round [proper] of the FA Cup. It’s not going to be easy, obviously, because they’re a good side but I’m pleased we’re in that situation.”
Bishop’s Stortford boast a strong squad of players and results are following in Conference South, as the club lie just three points off the top.
Notable squad members at Woodside Park include former Arsenal youth goalkeeper Chris Wright, young left winger Ashley Fuller (formerly of Gravesend) and young hotshot Charles Ademeno, who is on work experience from Southend United.
Despite those young starlets, Clive said: “They’ve got a very experienced side. [It will be] probably one of the hardest ones this season. So unless we’re on our game we’ve got a problem.”
Whites are likely to be without Glen Knight (dislocated finger), John Keister (banned for four more games) and Danny Chapman.
Clive said: “Danny has had a hamstring problem since Sittingbourne [August Bank Holiday Monday]. We’ve had scans on it. We can’t find anything wrong with it.”
In what promises to be a special atmosphere at Crabble on Saturday, Walker knows just how important an extra bit of positive vocal support can be to win football matches.
Clive praised the supporters, saying: “The fans have been fantastic this season. They’ve not moaned at them, they ain’t groaned at them, they’ve got behind them. When people are with you, you feel that.
“Support makes a big difference to players, gives them a yard and hopefully we’ll have that Saturday.”
*Q1**IS*The Dover boss spoke to website editor Justin Allen in a nine minute interview, which WhitesLive users can listen to.*IF*