*BS*A first half volley from Nathan Elder and a brace from substitute Liam Bellamy secured Dover’s place in the second round against Leamington FC, with the tie to be played at Crabble on the 14th December.*BF*

*Lpic1*Manager Chris Kinnear acknowledged that is side were not at their fluent best, but was happy that the job required was done. ‘I was not really happy with the performance but the players did enough and the main thing that we are here for is to win games. East Thurrock made it difficult for us and got behind the ball. They are a dogged and determined team with a lot of experience. They don’t really have any weak links in their team.’

Dover are still unbeaten in all cup competitions this year which delights the boss. ‘We are in December and still in every trophy that we entered. I don’t think any other club at our level can say that. We want to do well in them all!’

Now all the focus and attention falls on Saturday’s trip to Stadium MK for the FA cup second round and despite the odds being well and truly stacked against Athletic, Chris is determined that is team will not be there to just make up the numbers. ‘ We will need to be organised and everyone will need to play to what their ability is. If everyone can do what they do best then we have a chance of beating them.’

He also added ‘As individuals, they are probably not much better, but they do train everyday and their dead balls will be difficult for us. They may not know all about us, but we know all about them. I watched them with Kevin on Tuesday and this is no better time to play them. The pressure is really on them.’