STEVE BROWNE was delighted to secure Whites’ first away win since March but admits his men did leave it late – in fact very late.
Dean Palmer’s 90th-minute strike earned Dover victory at Ryman League Division One club Bromley and a passage through to the Kent Senior Cup second round after the hosts had cancelled out Craig Wilkins’ first-half opener.
And Browne said: “A win is a win – and it’s away from home. We’ve not won since last March so, at long last, the fans who follow us everywhere have something to smile about. And we, as a team, have something to smile about.
“Some fans had told me that we ought to win these kind of games against the likes of Bromley. But we don’t have any divine right to beat anyone. You have to work hard and earn the right to win a match.
“There are some good teams in Ryman Division One. Bromley are halfway up that division and can compete with Premier sides and so they proved last night.
“We didn’t turn up in the second half in all honesty and the goal we conceded was sloppy. But we again looked solid at the back and that’s something I’m very pleased about.
“Craig has scored, which I hope can give him the confidence to go on and score many more for us. He could have had a hat-trick last night with the amount of chances that came his way. But I am really pleased for him that he has managed to hit the back of net because he’s worked hard.”
James Rogers and Sam Vallance both came into the team and Browne was happy with both their performances.
Rogers, though, is still feeling ill, since he was taken to hospital with stomach cramps following the recent friendly with Bishops Stortford.
Browne said: “We want to investigate the illness that James is suffering at the moment. We’re concerned for the lad because this is the second match where he’s ended up feeling ill. So we’re going to be looking into this.”
Vallance, who has had England Schoolboy trials recently, played at right-back and central midfield and impressed the Whites boss.
Meanwhile, Browne has invited Dunstable striker Grant Carney to training tomorrow evening.
Carney is being tracked by a number of clubs but Browne hopes that he will be impressed by Dover Athletic’s set-up and sign in time to play at Eastleigh on Saturday.
The Whites boss said: “We’ve got a good set-up at Dover. It’s impressive by Ryman League standards and word is getting out that we’re a good club to play for. I hope we can get Grant because we do need another front man.
“Also we’re desperate for a central midfielder. A Mr Nasty in the centre who is going to be our ballwinner. I do feel, at this moment in time, we’re just lacking a bit of muscle. Warren Ryan is certainly vital for us in this department but he’s injured at the moment and is a doubt for Saturday.”