Dover will be aiming to address their recent poor record at the IronmongeryDirect Stadium when they head to relegation-haunted Braintree Town on Saturday.
Boss Chris Kinnear’s side are yet to register a point or a goal at the venue in their two games there since winning promotion back to non league’s top-flight.
But Kinnear is unconcerned by his side’s recent results at Braintree, who will start the game just two points above the drop zone.
He said: “Someone told me they have been a bit of a bogey side for Dover, but it is down to us really.
“It’s going to be difficult with their pitch and what they have got, but all we can do is take it as a game we want three points from.”
Dover are currently sixth in the table, two points behind Aldershot in fifth, but with a game in hand.
BRAINTREE’S RECENT FORM
Known as the Iron, Braintree were beaten by relegation rivals York City 3-0 on Saturday – their sixth defeat in seven league matches.
Jon Parkin, Asa Hall and Amari Morgan Smith scored the goals for the home side.
Braintree’s last victory was back in February, a 5-0 win at Bromley.
LAST MEETING
22/10/16 Dover Athletic 6-1 Braintree Town
Ricky Miller (pictured above in action against Braintree) scored four times as Athletic equalled their biggest winning margin since returning to the National League.
Sam Matthew’s sublime curled finish stunned the home fans early on, but Miller’s first half hat-trick, along with strikes from Aswad Thomas and Jack Parkinson, gave Dover a resounding 5-1 lead at the break.
Miller’s free-kick shortly after half time completed the rout.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
13/10/15: Braintree Town 1-0 Dover Athletic
15/09/15: Dover Athletic 0-0 Braintree Town
11/11/14: Dover Athletic 1-0 Braintree Town
12/08/14: Braintree Town 3-0 Dover Athletic
HITMEN
Whites’ top scorer in the league this season is Ricky Miller with 34 following his double in the win against Gateshead at Crabble last Saturday.
Moses Emmanuel and Ross Lafayette both have 11.
Braintree’s leading man is Michael Cheek with 17.
DOVER TEAM NEWS
First team coach Mark Newson said on Wednesday that James Hurst (thigh), who missed the win against Gateshead, is the only injury doubt.
Newson gave Hurst a 50/50 chance of being available.
DOVER COLOURS
For Dover fans wanting to show their colours at Braintree by wearing the matching shirts as the players, captain Jamie Grimes and his team-mates will be wearing their blue shirts.
COVERAGE:
The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make the trip, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!
Coverage starts from 2pm.
SATURDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Aldershot Town v Torquay United
Barrow v Woking
Bromley v Wrexham
Chester v York City
Eastleigh v Lincoln City
Gateshead v Maidstone United
Guiseley v Forest Green Rovers
Macclesfield Town v Dagenham & Redbridge
North Ferriby United v Boreham Wood
Sutton United v Southport
Tranmere Rovers v Solihull Moors
AWAY TRAVEL
There will be a Supporters Club coach making the trip to Braintree on Saturday and it’s not too late to book your place on it.
It leaves Crabble at 11am and the cost is as follows:
Adults Members £15, Adult Non Members £30 and accompanied child (under 16) £5.
Please call or text Andy on 0793 4300335 to book your seat.
Please note that you are now required to pay for your seat in advance in cash or by cheque or via bank transfer.
Visit http://www.dasc.co.uk/ for all the details.