An opportunity to secure a National League double and remain in the race for the play-offs is on the line at Crabble on Saturday when Solihull Moors come calling.
Boss Chris Kinnear’s side remained fifth, despite losing 1-0 at Woking on Tuesday, and need to get back to winning ways to stay in the hunt for promotion.
Whites have already beaten the National League newcomers this season after Ricky Miller (pictured above in action at Solihull) scored a stunning second half hat-trick to inspire a 10-man Dover to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 3-2 win last November.
Dover had lost Jack Parkinson to a straight red in the 26th minute after he slipped while last man and made a tap tackle on striker Andy Brown as he raced towards goal.
Liam McDonald took over as Solihull boss a couple of day’s after the defeat against Whites and he is well aware of the threat that Dover will pose in the return match.
Speaking to the Solihull club website, McDonald said: “Like all games, we study the opposition to arrive at a game plan for the particular match. Of course we know of the ability of Ricky Miller and we have to be 100% aware of exactly where he is on the pitch at any time, but really that applies to the whole Dover team!
“They are high in the league because of the team effort and it is a very good side. Miller will inevitably receive most of the plaudits, but so should the defence and midfield.
“It is they who supply the passes to him and get the team their clean sheets.
“So we will not specifically target any one individual in out tactical approach. It will be a tight game and we need to make sure that Ricky Miller does not make the difference.”
McDonald is looking forward to the trip.
He said: “There should be a real atmosphere at Crabble this weekend and my players will enjoy it. For me personally it evokes a bit of nostalgia because that is where I made by debut for my first club, Worcester City, when I was 17 years old.
“We will be the under dogs this weekend, so I am sure the lads will rise to the occasion, particularly to put their last performance against Wrexham behind them.”
SOLIHULL MOORS RECENT FORM
The Moors are currently 15th on the National League ladder.
Their home clash against Torquay United on Tuesday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch while their previous game ended with a 1-0 defeat against visiting Wrexham last Saturday.
On their travels, Solihull won 1-0 at Bromley on their last venture away from the West Midlands on February 18.
Former Barnsley striker Harry White scored the all-important goal.
12/11/16: Solihull Moors 2-3 Dover Athletic
HITMEN
Whites’ leading scorer in the National League this season is Ricky Miller with 30 following his hat-trick against Eastleigh at Crabble last Saturday.
Moses Emmanuel (11) and Ross Lafayette (10) are the other Dover players in double figures.
Solihull’s leading man with seven goals is Omari Sterling-James while former Barnsley striker Harry White has six to his name.
DOVER TEAM NEWS
Striker Tyrone Marsh (knee) is still not available while Parkinson joined Maidenhead United on loan earlier this week.
COVERAGE
The game starts at 3pm but if you are unable to make it to Crabble, we will have live updates on Twitter – @DAFCLiveText – follow us and get all the news as it happens!
SATURDAY’S OTHER NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Aldershot Town v Lincoln City
Barrow v Sutton United
Boreham Wood v Bromley
Braintree Town v Wrexham
Forest Green Rovers v Macclesfield Town
Gateshead v Dagenham & Redbridge
Maidstone United v Southport
North Ferriby United v Woking
Torquay United v Guiseley AFC
York City v Eastleigh
AWAY TRAVEL
There will be a Supporters Club coach heading to Boreham Wood on Tuesday, March 14.
It leaves Crabble at 4.15pm and the cost is:
Adults Members £15, Adult Non Members £30 and accompanied child (under 16) £5.
Please call or text Andy Fisher on 0793 4300335 to book your seat or see him in the Centre Spot before or after Saturday’s game.
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.