*BS*CLIVE WALKER last night chilled out with a glass of his almost trademark dry white wine to toast a hard-fought three points at Croydon.

*BF*There is no doubt that the performance was not of the highest standard from his men, but at least they showed a battling spirit to grab victory at a difficult venue.

Conditions were not easy under foot on a bobbly pitch, making it difficult for either side to play decent football.

And a dull game, as well as the ice cold temperatures, made for painful viewing for the fans.

But, at least, goals from Craig Cloke and Jimmy Dryden gave supporters some warm moments of quality to look back on.

Clive said: “It was a hard-fought win. There are not going to be many teams in this division who come away from here with three points.

“The game was poor and our performance was not up to the standards we expect, but that happens at these kind of places where conditions are difficult.

“But the team found a way through and we’re delighted to have got the three points.

“We’ve got a good record away from home this season so it was nice to keep that going. To win a league, you have to pick up points everywhere. It’s very early days at the moment with so many games left.”

Midfielder Danny Chapman, who is close to returning to action and could be back within the next couple of weeks, thought his team-mates made hard work of winning.

He said: “I thought we put ourselves under unnecessary pressure at times. We just lack that bit of communication on the pitch at times – but hopefully I will be back to help in that department soon.”

*BS*CLIVE gives a full reaction to the 2-0 win at Croydon on DAFCtv, being screened from Wednesday night.

*BS*JIM PARMENTER praised Whites for picking up three points at Croydon Athletic – even though the performance was not the best they have produced this season.

*BF*Goals in each half from Craig Cloke and Jimmy Dryden were enough to see off the hosts in difficult and freezing conditions on Tuesday night.

But Jim admitted: “It’s fair to say it wasn’t the best of performances, but the pitch and conditions were difficult, so the team deserve credit for coming away from here with a 2-0 win.

“If we win games 2-0 without playing well, then that is the kind of form a promoted team shows – so you won’t hear many complaints from me there.

“We weren’t in control of the game, it wasn’t a nice game to watch – but you have to give credit for the way we managed to find a way through to the three points.

“You cannot play well every week – but it’s all about getting the win, so job done on that score.”

*BS*JIM PARMENTER spent time answering your emails this week in a special question and answer feature.

*BF*The Whites chairman, as usual, answers frankly all the questions put to him via the club’s official website.

*BS*BOB ANSLOW, RAMSGATE

*BF*Do the board feel they are meeting their targets at the moment as far as its major aims are concerned – perhaps off-the-field rather than on it – and whether you might feel able to share your expectations of the next, say, five years at DAFC.

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*When we first arrived at the club we had three major objectives. Number one was, of course, to clear the massive debt that was threatening to put the club out of business and to stabilise the on-going financial situation. This has been achieved and clearing the CVA early is an added bonus.

Number two was to install a manager and playing squad with the ability to take us up the leagues, while ensuring we did not go back into debt to achieve it. We believe this has also been achieved.

The third and more long-term objective was to develop the club, on and off-the-field, to a point where it can progress up the leagues. This involves developing off-the-field income streams to finance improving the playing squad.

Developing the youth section and links with the community are also very important objectives. In five years time we very much hope to be playing Conference football again.

*BS*BOB MOAT, DOVER

*BF*Would it be possible for the stewards who extend the tunnel at the end of the match to inform any supporters who are waiting adjacent to the tunnel that it is about to be extended?

This would make it much easier for us supporters who watch the entire match from the Town End to get clear of the tunnel and therefore easier to exit the ground before the route is closed.

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*Q1**BF*We are refining the operation of the tunnel with experience, but basically if you allow yourself five minutes before and after the game you should be OK.

*BS*JASON McFARLANE, DOVER

*BF*Is there more to offer from Dover in the next few years off-the-pitch and also is it true that the training pitch will be redone?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*The best is yet to come! There are no plans to re-furbish the training pitch at the moment but we are involved in a couple of other projects that, if they come to fruition, will greatly improve our facilities for training both the first team and youth teams.

*Lpic1**BS*CHARLES SHERRED

*BF*Just want to know what the situation is with Daniel Braithwaite? Is he still contracted at the club? Will he be having an operation to solve his injury problems and if so when would we expect him to be playing for The Mighty Whites again?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER:

*BF*Daniel was offered a contract at the and of last season which he originally agreed. However, because of complications over his injured knee, he changed his mind. Therefore, at the moment, he is not a Dover player.

*BS*ALEX AL-SHAIKH, DOVER

*BF*Where do you see Dover in 10 years?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*Too far into the future to predict but possibly playing League football.

*BS*HARRY SMITH, RIVER

*BF*Do you believe Clive Walker is the manager who can take Dover from Ryman One South to Conference National? If so, can you explain why?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*I believe Clive is the right man to be managing Dover going forward. Just look at his record over the years and particularly since rejoining Dover.

He is an A badge coach and has enormous knowledge of players and the game. He is straightforward and a club man through and through. Clive also commands terrific respect from those in the game on and off-the-field.

*BS*MAUREEN, KINGSDOWN

*BF*If there comes a time this season when things go wrong like they did last time, would you and the board consider making more signings, ie a striker who puts away chances on a more prolific basis?

*Lpic2**BS*JIM PARMENTER:

*BF*Last season had we not had the injury crisis that we did, there is a firm belief that we would have been promoted.

This year we have a stronger squad but Jon Wallis was signed on loan to further strengthen when we had injuries and suspensions. We do not have the budget to make further permanent signings, but if players don’t perform they will be moved on and replaced.

*BS*MARK, FOLKESTONE

*BF*The Conference ground grading is great news. What happens if no other ground in the entire Ryman League doesn’t get that grading by the deadline later in the season? Would we be promoted to Conference South?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*Good question, to which I don’t have an answer because the FA haven’t ruled on this yet.

*BS*ANDREW, SOUTH LONDON

*BF*What drives you on as chairman of Dover Athletic?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*Another good question, some of my friends tell me it’s insanity. I love football and being involved with Dover. It’s my home-town club and when I left before it was like cutting off my right arm.

*Q2*My family all enjoy it too and Sally, my wife, is becoming something of an expert on football.

Most of all it’s seeing the look of joy on people’s faces when they know their club is safe and doing well.

*BS*STEVE, TEMPLE-EWELL

*BF*How do you assess the way we’re playing at the moment and how the current season is developing? The FA Cup-run has clearly hampered our league form – is that a concern?

*Ppic2**BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*We have lost once this season in the league and actually with the chances created should not have dropped a point.

As yet we haven’t seen our best team on the pitch and, with Danny Chapman coming back to fitness. John Keister now back and Glen Knight only a couple of weeks away. that day will come soon.

Clive’s intention is to play attacking football this year but of course you have to have the right players available and in form.

I have been to every game and sometimes when I hear some of the “expert opinions” on what we have done or should be doing, I wonder if I have been at the same game (if those expressing opinions have actually been at the game).

I am very happy generally with the way we are playing, but this is football and there is always room for improvement.

Clive and I are always discussing ways of improving, but in the end it’s his job to select the team and manage it.

Finally, I don’t agree that the FA Cup run has affected our league form. I think that has more to do with player availability and form.

*BS*DAVID, SNOWDOWN

*BF*Will Dover Athletic have a new clubhouse at some stage and roughly when?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*It is very much in the plans but is down to finance.

*Ppic1**BS*ROD, DOVER

*BF*What is the overdraft balance now roughly – and when do we plan to pay if off. How much money did the FA Cup run generate in the end?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*The overdraft is now below £40k and the club are paying some off every month. I suggested to the Supporters Trust that they may like to make this an objective for the season and they donated £3k at the beginning of the season.

There has been no further movement on the account since.

The FA Cup run generated around £12k net in prizemoney.

*BS*JIM PARMENTER spent time answering your emails this week in a special question and answer feature.

*BF*The Whites chairman, as usual, answers frankly all the questions put to him via the club’s official website.

*BS*BOB ANSLOW, RAMSGATE

*BF*Do the board feel they are meeting their targets at the moment as far as its major aims are concerned – perhaps off-the-field rather than on it – and whether you might feel able to share your expectations of the next, say, five years at DAFC.

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*When we first arrived at the club we had three major objectives. Number one was, of course, to clear the massive debt that was threatening to put the club out of business and to stabilise the on-going financial situation. This has been achieved and clearing the CVA early is an added bonus.

Number two was to install a manager and playing squad with the ability to take us up the leagues, while ensuring we did not go back into debt to achieve it. We believe this has also been achieved.

The third and more long-term objective was to develop the club, on and off-the-field, to a point where it can progress up the leagues. This involves developing off-the-field income streams to finance improving the playing squad.

Developing the youth section and links with the community are also very important objectives. In five years time we very much hope to be playing Conference football again.

*BS*BOB MOAT, DOVER

*BF*Would it be possible for the stewards who extend the tunnel at the end of the match to inform any supporters who are waiting adjacent to the tunnel that it is about to be extended?

This would make it much easier for us supporters who watch the entire match from the Town End to get clear of the tunnel and therefore easier to exit the ground before the route is closed.

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*Q1**BF*We are refining the operation of the tunnel with experience, but basically if you allow yourself five minutes before and after the game you should be OK.

*BS*JASON McFARLANE, DOVER

*BF*Is there more to offer from Dover in the next few years off-the-pitch and also is it true that the training pitch will be redone?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*The best is yet to come! There are no plans to re-furbish the training pitch at the moment but we are involved in a couple of other projects that, if they come to fruition, will greatly improve our facilities for training both the first team and youth teams.

*Lpic1**BS*CHARLES SHERRED

*BF*Just want to know what the situation is with Daniel Braithwaite? Is he still contracted at the club? Will he be having an operation to solve his injury problems and if so when would we expect him to be playing for The Mighty Whites again?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER:

*BF*Daniel was offered a contract at the and of last season which he originally agreed. However, because of complications over his injured knee, he changed his mind. Therefore, at the moment, he is not a Dover player.

*BS*ALEX AL-SHAIKH, DOVER

*BF*Where do you see Dover in 10 years?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*Too far into the future to predict but possibly playing League football.

*BS*HARRY SMITH, RIVER

*BF*Do you believe Clive Walker is the manager who can take Dover from Ryman One South to Conference National? If so, can you explain why?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*I believe Clive is the right man to be managing Dover going forward. Just look at his record over the years and particularly since rejoining Dover.

He is an A badge coach and has enormous knowledge of players and the game. He is straightforward and a club man through and through. Clive also commands terrific respect from those in the game on and off-the-field.

*BS*MAUREEN, KINGSDOWN

*BF*If there comes a time this season when things go wrong like they did last time, would you and the board consider making more signings, ie a striker who puts away chances on a more prolific basis?

*Lpic2**BS*JIM PARMENTER:

*BF*Last season had we not had the injury crisis that we did, there is a firm belief that we would have been promoted.

This year we have a stronger squad but Jon Wallis was signed on loan to further strengthen when we had injuries and suspensions. We do not have the budget to make further permanent signings, but if players don’t perform they will be moved on and replaced.

*BS*MARK, FOLKESTONE

*BF*The Conference ground grading is great news. What happens if no other ground in the entire Ryman League doesn’t get that grading by the deadline later in the season? Would we be promoted to Conference South?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*Good question, to which I don’t have an answer because the FA haven’t ruled on this yet.

*BS*ANDREW, SOUTH LONDON

*BF*What drives you on as chairman of Dover Athletic?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*Another good question, some of my friends tell me it’s insanity. I love football and being involved with Dover. It’s my home-town club and when I left before it was like cutting off my right arm.

*Q2*My family all enjoy it too and Sally, my wife, is becoming something of an expert on football.

Most of all it’s seeing the look of joy on people’s faces when they know their club is safe and doing well.

*BS*STEVE, TEMPLE-EWELL

*BF*How do you assess the way we’re playing at the moment and how the current season is developing? The FA Cup-run has clearly hampered our league form – is that a concern?

*Ppic2**BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*We have lost once this season in the league and actually with the chances created should not have dropped a point.

As yet we haven’t seen our best team on the pitch and, with Danny Chapman coming back to fitness. John Keister now back and Glen Knight only a couple of weeks away. that day will come soon.

Clive’s intention is to play attacking football this year but of course you have to have the right players available and in form.

I have been to every game and sometimes when I hear some of the “expert opinions” on what we have done or should be doing, I wonder if I have been at the same game (if those expressing opinions have actually been at the game).

I am very happy generally with the way we are playing, but this is football and there is always room for improvement.

Clive and I are always discussing ways of improving, but in the end it’s his job to select the team and manage it.

Finally, I don’t agree that the FA Cup run has affected our league form. I think that has more to do with player availability and form.

*BS*DAVID, SNOWDOWN

*BF*Will Dover Athletic have a new clubhouse at some stage and roughly when?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*It is very much in the plans but is down to finance.

*Ppic1**BS*ROD, DOVER

*BF*What is the overdraft balance now roughly – and when do we plan to pay if off. How much money did the FA Cup run generate in the end?

*BS*JIM PARMENTER

*BF*The overdraft is now below £40k and the club are paying some off every month. I suggested to the Supporters Trust that they may like to make this an objective for the season and they donated £3k at the beginning of the season.

There has been no further movement on the account since.

The FA Cup run generated around £12k net in prizemoney.

*BS*Saturday’s fixture at Crabble will see the return of former River End favourite Matt Carruthers, playing for Ashford against his home town club in an intriguing local derby.*BF*

Much will be spoken about Carruthers around Crabble about his past glory days and recent problems tomorrow (Saturday) but he will undoubtedly be keen to put all that aside in the 90 minutes on the pitch and land a blow to the club he grew up with and played his best football for.

Following on from Whites’ frustrating 1-1 draw at Whyteleafe, a game that could have ended up 5-3 to Dover had both sides taken their most straightforward chances, Crabble plays host to a Kent derby for the second time in the league this season.

Ashford lost 1-0 in the corresponding fixture last season in a game completely dominated by the home side but a sterner test should be expected this time round.

Despite their low position in the table Ashford look a decent side this season, at least on paper. Wins recently against Kingstonian in the league and Folkestone in the Kent Senior Cup showed potential.

A 2-1 loss at Met Police last Saturday has been described as a set-back but the Police are starting to wake-up after a slow start and several postponed games, with the experienced former Woking hotshot Ben Abbey beating Ashford with his 11th and 12th goals of the season in all competitions.

Looking from afar, the biggest positive this season at Homelands has been the goals from George Fenwick, signed from Dover Athletic. The 23 year-old impressed for Whites’ reserve team last season but opted to sign for Ashford in search of first team football.

The move seems to have paid off for the tall striker, as Fenwick has taken the mantle of ‘main threat’ away from Joby Thorogood, the joint-manager’s son. Joby, brother of another Ashford player Jonathan (who, like former Dover striker Vansittart, prefers to be known as Joff), has seemingly been moved to the right wing where his small frame may be more advantageous.

*Lpic1*Aside from Carruthers and Fenwick, Ashford possess two more ex-Dover players. Winger Simon Glover, best known at Crabble for having a terrible hair-cut and scoring an unbelievable chip that was either genius or a complete fluke, has gone back to Homelands after a fruitless spell at Heybridge Swifts – who are said to have paid several thousand pounds for the skilful but frustrating 24 year-old.

Marc Cumberbatch completes the foursome of ex-Whites. His spell at Crabble last season tailed off badly after a good start, scoring two goals in two games against Corinthian-Casuals and Burgess Hill. The Thierry Henry (don’t call him Mikael Silvestre) professional look-a-like was perhaps unfortunate to come to Crabble at the time he did, when Dover’s squad was ravaged by injuries and confidence was at its lowest ebb. A talented player no doubt but let down by a lack of concentration at times. I doubt that will be a problem tomorrow though!

Other names that should register with Dover fans in the Ashford line-up are former Margate defender Anthony Allman, who plays in midfield for Ashford and wears the captain’s armband, and Drew Watkins, formerly of Tonbridge Angels.

This Ashford side could be described as the best they have had in a long time on paper. Whether this potential can be turned into results is yet to be seen but Saturday’s game will be a good indicator of how they are progressing.

Manager Tim Thorogood told the KM Newspaper this week: “We are a Jekyll and Hyde side. On our day we can beat most sides.”

A warning to Clive Walker’s men that they can expect another tough local derby. Whites will be hoping to keep up their 100% record in Kent derbies this season, after three wins out of three against Sittingbourne, Chatham and Cray.

*Q1*Whilst Ashford are said to have a full-strength squad to pick from, Dover are still without goalkeeper Glen Knight and experienced midfielder Danny Chapman. Knight is expected to be back in action during December, after having an operation on his hand in October.

Also missing from Whites’ line-up tomorrow will be left wing-back James Rogers, suspended for one game after picking up five yellow cards this season. Tony Browne and loanee Jon Wallis are likely to take up the wing-back roles, with John Keister back in league action in either defence or midfield following his five-match ban for red cards at Ramsgate and Heybridge.

Upcoming suspensions for Dover are: Lee Spiller will be banned for the game against Maidstone next Saturday for his double-booking sending off at Whyteleafe. Nicky Humphrey is likely to miss four games, starting in 10 days time, after receiving a straight red card on Tuesday in the Westview Cup, the second time he has seen red this season.

It is testament to Walker’s summer transfer activity that despite three players missing for the Ashford game, the Dover boss still has a healthy selection problem. The impressive form of Bradley Spice poses questions about who the front two or three will be for Dover on Saturday, with pacey wingers Chris Chase and Byron Walker looking ready for action again.

The return of John Keister is excellent timing due to the ban for Rogers and future suspensions for Spiller and Humphrey. The Dover manager has a dilemma over who to play in attack on Saturday. The pace of Chase and Walker cannot be ignored for long, despite the presence of Wilkins, Dryden, Tyne and Spice.

Wilkins is likely to find himself in defence again, with Keister in midfield alongside Spiller. The main issue is whether pace is injected up front and if so, who misses out. Spice and Dryden would be hugely unfortunate to be dropped after scoring Whites’ last two goals on Saturday and Tuesday respectively. Perhaps it’s time to give Tommy Tyne a well-deserved rest?

*Lpic2*Whatever the team selection, the games are coming thick and fast now, with two important league matches in the next four days. The two 1-1 away draws in the last two weeks have not hurt Dover that badly in the league table and a win against Ashford will keep up the present two points a game average that, if held until the end of April, would almost certainly see Athletic claim the title.

Looking through Ramsgate’s results from last season, when the Thanet side won Ryman Division One, they often dropped points in consecutive games but rarely went more than two or three games without winning and lost only six times in the league campaign. In fact, they drew the same number of games as Whites did last season.

The challenge for Clive Walker’s men is to climb back on that winning wagon, as all successful teams do after a minor blip. It is worth remembering that Whites have not lost in the league since August and their only other losses this season were in the cups away to Southern Premier side Maidenhead and Conference South promotion-chasing Bishop’s Stortford.

*BS*Saturday’s fixture at Crabble will see the return of former River End favourite Matt Carruthers, playing for Ashford against his home town club in an intriguing local derby.*BF*

Much will be spoken about Carruthers around Crabble about his past glory days and recent problems tomorrow (Saturday) but he will undoubtedly be keen to put all that aside in the 90 minutes on the pitch and land a blow to the club he grew up with and played his best football for.

Following on from Whites’ frustrating 1-1 draw at Whyteleafe, a game that could have ended up 5-3 to Dover had both sides taken their most straightforward chances, Crabble plays host to a Kent derby for the second time in the league this season.

Ashford lost 1-0 in the corresponding fixture last season in a game completely dominated by the home side but a sterner test should be expected this time round.

Despite their low position in the table Ashford look a decent side this season, at least on paper. Wins recently against Kingstonian in the league and Folkestone in the Kent Senior Cup showed potential.

A 2-1 loss at Met Police last Saturday has been described as a set-back but the Police are starting to wake-up after a slow start and several postponed games, with the experienced former Woking hotshot Ben Abbey beating Ashford with his 11th and 12th goals of the season in all competitions.

Looking from afar, the biggest positive this season at Homelands has been the goals from George Fenwick, signed from Dover Athletic. The 23 year-old impressed for Whites’ reserve team last season but opted to sign for Ashford in search of first team football.

The move seems to have paid off for the tall striker, as Fenwick has taken the mantle of ‘main threat’ away from Joby Thorogood, the joint-manager’s son. Joby, brother of another Ashford player Jonathan (who, like former Dover striker Vansittart, prefers to be known as Joff), has seemingly been moved to the right wing where his small frame may be more advantageous.

*Lpic1*Aside from Carruthers and Fenwick, Ashford possess two more ex-Dover players. Winger Simon Glover, best known at Crabble for having a terrible hair-cut and scoring an unbelievable chip that was either genius or a complete fluke, has gone back to Homelands after a fruitless spell at Heybridge Swifts – who are said to have paid several thousand pounds for the skilful but frustrating 24 year-old.

Marc Cumberbatch completes the foursome of ex-Whites. His spell at Crabble last season tailed off badly after a good start, scoring two goals in two games against Corinthian-Casuals and Burgess Hill. The Thierry Henry (don’t call him Mikael Silvestre) professional look-a-like was perhaps unfortunate to come to Crabble at the time he did, when Dover’s squad was ravaged by injuries and confidence was at its lowest ebb. A talented player no doubt but let down by a lack of concentration at times. I doubt that will be a problem tomorrow though!

Other names that should register with Dover fans in the Ashford line-up are former Margate defender Anthony Allman, who plays in midfield for Ashford and wears the captain’s armband, and Drew Watkins, formerly of Tonbridge Angels.

This Ashford side could be described as the best they have had in a long time on paper. Whether this potential can be turned into results is yet to be seen but Saturday’s game will be a good indicator of how they are progressing.

Manager Tim Thorogood told the KM Newspaper this week: “We are a Jekyll and Hyde side. On our day we can beat most sides.”

A warning to Clive Walker’s men that they can expect another tough local derby. Whites will be hoping to keep up their 100% record in Kent derbies this season, after three wins out of three against Sittingbourne, Chatham and Cray.

*Q1*Whilst Ashford are said to have a full-strength squad to pick from, Dover are still without goalkeeper Glen Knight and experienced midfielder Danny Chapman. Knight is expected to be back in action during December, after having an operation on his hand in October.

Also missing from Whites’ line-up tomorrow will be left wing-back James Rogers, suspended for one game after picking up five yellow cards this season. Tony Browne and loanee Jon Wallis are likely to take up the wing-back roles, with John Keister back in league action in either defence or midfield following his five-match ban for red cards at Ramsgate and Heybridge.

Upcoming suspensions for Dover are: Lee Spiller will be banned for the game against Maidstone next Saturday for his double-booking sending off at Whyteleafe. Nicky Humphrey is likely to miss four games, starting in 10 days time, after receiving a straight red card on Tuesday in the Westview Cup, the second time he has seen red this season.

It is testament to Walker’s summer transfer activity that despite three players missing for the Ashford game, the Dover boss still has a healthy selection problem. The impressive form of Bradley Spice poses questions about who the front two or three will be for Dover on Saturday, with pacey wingers Chris Chase and Byron Walker looking ready for action again.

The return of John Keister is excellent timing due to the ban for Rogers and future suspensions for Spiller and Humphrey. The Dover manager has a dilemma over who to play in attack on Saturday. The pace of Chase and Walker cannot be ignored for long, despite the presence of Wilkins, Dryden, Tyne and Spice.

Wilkins is likely to find himself in defence again, with Keister in midfield alongside Spiller. The main issue is whether pace is injected up front and if so, who misses out. Spice and Dryden would be hugely unfortunate to be dropped after scoring Whites’ last two goals on Saturday and Tuesday respectively. Perhaps it’s time to give Tommy Tyne a well-deserved rest?

*Lpic2*Whatever the team selection, the games are coming thick and fast now, with two important league matches in the next four days. The two 1-1 away draws in the last two weeks have not hurt Dover that badly in the league table and a win against Ashford will keep up the present two points a game average that, if held until the end of April, would almost certainly see Athletic claim the title.

Looking through Ramsgate’s results from last season, when the Thanet side won Ryman Division One, they often dropped points in consecutive games but rarely went more than two or three games without winning and lost only six times in the league campaign. In fact, they drew the same number of games as Whites did last season.

The challenge for Clive Walker’s men is to climb back on that winning wagon, as all successful teams do after a minor blip. It is worth remembering that Whites have not lost in the league since August and their only other losses this season were in the cups away to Southern Premier side Maidenhead and Conference South promotion-chasing Bishop’s Stortford.