DANIEL BRAITHWAITE believes Whites will stay up if they beat Tonbridge next Saturday.

The defender – who helped Dover beat play-off chasing Hampton and Richmond yesterday – says back-to-back wins will give the team a huge confidence boost for the final games against Wealdstone and Eastleigh.

If Whites are to survive, it will go right down to the wire when we play high-flying Eastleigh on Saturday, April 30, at the Hoverspeed Stadium.

A win for Harrow against Leyton and draw for Cheshunt against Folkestone leaves us four points adrift of safety but we have a better goal difference than all our relegation rivals.

Daniel said: “It’s a shame results didn’t all go our way. We’ve just got to keep winning. It was definitely a massive confidence boost to beat Hampton, going into our next two away games.

“If we beat Tonbridge, I think we’ll stay up. It will mean that we’ve put back-to-back wins together that will give us momentum going into the last two matches.

“We’ve got Eastleigh on the final day but after drawing at Braintree and beating Hampton at home – two of the top sides – we should hold no fears against any side. We can beat anyone if we perform.

“We’ve got to aim for taking six points from the next two away games to set up a cup final against Eastleigh on the final day, which will create one hell of an atmosphere at home.

“I can imagine there being a huge crowd for that one. Let’s hope we can set that up by beating Tonbridge and Wealdstone away – which of course are not going to be easy games for us.

“You have to say to get into this position, having been all but relegated at Christmas, is remarkable and we would’ve definitely taken our current position had it been offered then.

“Despite our position in the league, there is a lot more optimism around the place and, under Clive Walker, the fans have a lot to shout about.”

The crucial factor, says Daniel, in this run-in is striker Craig Wilkins, who has scored two goals in two matches since returning from a long-term back injury.

He said: “We’ve defintely missed Wilko’s presence upfront. He’s physical and can hold the ball up. He takes the pressure off you at times. It was something we definitely needed and he scores goals. Hopefully his quality will show in the remaining games.”

Whites’ performance yesterday was one of the best this season – and it was vital that three points were taken, because the writing would have virtually been on the wall.

Daniel admits: “Had we lost, it would’ve been curtains. The first thing we asked for at the end were the results. We heard Cheshunt and Tonbridge had drawn and that gave us a boost.

“Harrow beat Leyton, which was disappointing. Victor Renner used to play for Leyton and he asked the lads if they could do us a favour – and they asked for us to do likewise as Hampton are their play-off rivals.

“We did our bit – but they’ve not kept their side of the bargain.”

The 1-1 draw at Braintree was particulary satisfying for Walker’s men. After the terrible 1-0 home defeat against Folkestone – arguably our worst performance of the season – most people had written Dover’s chances off.

Daniel said: “No-one expected us to get a result a Braintree. The reaction of their manager, George Borg, at half time and the end said it all, really. The changing rooms are close together up there and we could hear everything he was saying.

“He wasn’t pleased and that spurred us on for the second half. We heard him ranting and raving and knew we were doing a good job. So we thought we’ve just got to keep doing what we were doing and we may even win the match.

“We’d have settled for 1-1 before the game. It’s great to get four points against top sides. Let’s hope we can keep the momentum going, which will keep us up.

“The Folkestone game was very disappointing and there was no way we couldn’t improve on that.”

Daniel was one of 11 players offered new contracts by the club. Eight players have already signed. Along with Victor Renner and Walid Matata, Daniel’s deal currently remains unsigned – but the Whites ace said he is intending to put pen to paper.

He said: “I got a letter through the post last week and have a month to think it over.

“Signing it isn’t depending on what division we’ll be playing in. I’m certainly hoping Dover stay up because you can see the club going in the right direction.

“And if we do stay up, I can really see us making an impact on the league next year. If we go down, I think we’ll be going for promotion.

“If we’re relegated but things are right, I’d like to stay. I’ve a family, full-time job, travel down from afar and things have got to be good for me. But hopefully I’ll stay and help us get back up next season if we go down or win promotion to Conference South if we survive.

“Narada Bernard, Ali Heselton and myself all travel down together. They’re not talking to the club until the season is over because they’re new players. But it’d be great if they stay. We all share the driving.”

DANIEL BRAITHWAITE believes Whites will stay up if they beat Tonbridge next Saturday.

The defender – who helped Dover beat play-off chasing Hampton and Richmond yesterday – says back-to-back wins will give the team a huge confidence boost for the final games against Wealdstone and Eastleigh.

If Whites are to survive, it will go right down to the wire when we play high-flying Eastleigh on Saturday, April 30, at the Hoverspeed Stadium.

A win for Harrow against Leyton and draw for Cheshunt against Folkestone leaves us four points adrift of safety but we have a better goal difference than all our relegation rivals.

Daniel said: “It’s a shame results didn’t all go our way. We’ve just got to keep winning. It was definitely a massive confidence boost to beat Hampton, going into our next two away games.

“If we beat Tonbridge, I think we’ll stay up. It will mean that we’ve put back-to-back wins together that will give us momentum going into the last two matches.

“We’ve got Eastleigh on the final day but after drawing at Braintree and beating Hampton at home – two of the top sides – we should hold no fears against any side. We can beat anyone if we perform.

“We’ve got to aim for taking six points from the next two away games to set up a cup final against Eastleigh on the final day, which will create one hell of an atmosphere at home.

“I can imagine there being a huge crowd for that one. Let’s hope we can set that up by beating Tonbridge and Wealdstone away – which of course are not going to be easy games for us.

“You have to say to get into this position, having been all but relegated at Christmas, is remarkable and we would’ve definitely taken our current position had it been offered then.

“Despite our position in the league, there is a lot more optimism around the place and, under Clive Walker, the fans have a lot to shout about.”

The crucial factor, says Daniel, in this run-in is striker Craig Wilkins, who has scored two goals in two matches since returning from a long-term back injury.

He said: “We’ve defintely missed Wilko’s presence upfront. He’s physical and can hold the ball up. He takes the pressure off you at times. It was something we definitely needed and he scores goals. Hopefully his quality will show in the remaining games.”

Whites’ performance yesterday was one of the best this season – and it was vital that three points were taken, because the writing would have virtually been on the wall.

Daniel admits: “Had we lost, it would’ve been curtains. The first thing we asked for at the end were the results. We heard Cheshunt and Tonbridge had drawn and that gave us a boost.

“Harrow beat Leyton, which was disappointing. Victor Renner used to play for Leyton and he asked the lads if they could do us a favour – and they asked for us to do likewise as Hampton are their play-off rivals.

“We did our bit – but they’ve not kept their side of the bargain.”

The 1-1 draw at Braintree was particulary satisfying for Walker’s men. After the terrible 1-0 home defeat against Folkestone – arguably our worst performance of the season – most people had written Dover’s chances off.

Daniel said: “No-one expected us to get a result a Braintree. The reaction of their manager, George Borg, at half time and the end said it all, really. The changing rooms are close together up there and we could hear everything he was saying.

“He wasn’t pleased and that spurred us on for the second half. We heard him ranting and raving and knew we were doing a good job. So we thought we’ve just got to keep doing what we were doing and we may even win the match.

“We’d have settled for 1-1 before the game. It’s great to get four points against top sides. Let’s hope we can keep the momentum going, which will keep us up.

“The Folkestone game was very disappointing and there was no way we couldn’t improve on that.”

Daniel was one of 11 players offered new contracts by the club. Eight players have already signed. Along with Victor Renner and Walid Matata, Daniel’s deal currently remains unsigned – but the Whites ace said he is intending to put pen to paper.

He said: “I got a letter through the post last week and have a month to think it over.

“Signing it isn’t depending on what division we’ll be playing in. I’m certainly hoping Dover stay up because you can see the club going in the right direction.

“And if we do stay up, I can really see us making an impact on the league next year. If we go down, I think we’ll be going for promotion.

“If we’re relegated but things are right, I’d like to stay. I’ve a family, full-time job, travel down from afar and things have got to be good for me. But hopefully I’ll stay and help us get back up next season if we go down or win promotion to Conference South if we survive.

“Narada Bernard, Ali Heselton and myself all travel down together. They’re not talking to the club until the season is over because they’re new players. But it’d be great if they stay. We all share the driving.”

CHAIRMAN Jim Parmenter has announced that EIGHT players have already agreed to sign new contracts or extensions to their existing deals.

Dean Readings, Nicky Humphrey, Tom Hickman, Anthony Hogg, Craig Wilkins and Michael Smissen have all signed for another year.

While Sam Vallance and Shane Hamshare are committed to the club for at least two seasons.

They join Craig Cloke, Matt Carruthers, James Rogers, Dale Skelton and Chris Wright, who are already under contract for next year.

Daniel Braithwaite, Victor Renner and Walid Matata have all been offered new deals and been given a month to give the club an answer.

Narada Bernard and Alistair Heselton will hold talks with the club at the end of the season – as both players get the chance to stake a claim for a deal by impressing in the last matches of the season.

Jim said: “We’re delighted that these talented players have agreed to continue with the club for next season and in some cases for the season after.

“Clive Walker has a tight budget, but there is still room for him to bring in four or five new faces and maybe add some experience. Both the manager and the board are confident that we will have a squad in place to challenge for promotion next season, whichever league we are playing in.”

CHAIRMAN Jim Parmenter has announced that EIGHT players have already agreed to sign new contracts or extensions to their existing deals.

Dean Readings, Nicky Humphrey, Tom Hickman, Anthony Hogg, Craig Wilkins and Michael Smissen have all signed for another year.

While Sam Vallance and Shane Hamshare are committed to the club for at least two seasons.

They join Craig Cloke, Matt Carruthers, James Rogers, Dale Skelton and Chris Wright, who are already under contract for next year.

Daniel Braithwaite, Victor Renner and Walid Matata have all been offered new deals and been given a month to give the club an answer.

Narada Bernard and Alistair Heselton will hold talks with the club at the end of the season – as both players get the chance to stake a claim for a deal by impressing in the last matches of the season.

Jim said: “We’re delighted that these talented players have agreed to continue with the club for next season and in some cases for the season after.

“Clive Walker has a tight budget, but there is still room for him to bring in four or five new faces and maybe add some experience. Both the manager and the board are confident that we will have a squad in place to challenge for promotion next season, whichever league we are playing in.”

CLIVE WALKER knows time is running out on Whites’ chances of staying up – but victory against Hampton and Richmond will throw the club a lifeline.

The form of other sides at the bottom of the table has been poor and, if results go our way again this weekend, Walker’s men will be within touching distance of safety. Three points, in fact.

Easier said than done – but the Whites boss certainly has not given up the ghost.

He said: “It’s going to be a hard game against Hampton and Richmond. They’re in good form but we’ve got to win this one. Time is nearly up so if the team can pull a result out of the bag, we’ll be right back in with a late shout.

“Our chances of staying up could even be in our own hands if we can win the next couple of games against Hampton and then Tonbridge away.

“While it’s mathematically possible, you cannot give up. I’d certainly have taken this position when I first came back in January when we something like 15 points adrift from safety.

“We’ve got Craig Wilkins back fit now and he looked good up at Braintree. Also we’ve got the likes of Craig Cloke and Victor Renner back from suspension, which makes us stronger. Also Dean Readings is still available to play as his two-match ban does not start until Monday.

“Matt Carruthers was back at Braintree and he looked lively so we’ve got a stronger side than the one that lost to Folkestone. We could’ve done with these players in that game but that’s gone now. We’ve got to look ahead.”

Clive has already decided which players he wishes to retain for next season. The club hopes to be in a position to release a retained list soon after the season finishes. Every player offered a new contract will have one month to make their mind up – so Whites can plan properly for the new campaign.

He said: “This team is not bad. We’ve got a good pool of players but we just need to add a bit of experience and quality. I’ve got a number of irons in the fire and we will certainly have a stronger team next season than now, whatever happens at the end of the relegation battle.”

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter hopes fans will get behind the side for the last two home games – against Hampton and Richmond, then Eastleigh.

The game tomorrow is actually bigger than the Bank Holiday Monday match with Folkestone. The club are still in the same position – six points adrift – and can still get out of trouble.

Jim said: “We need the continued support of fans. They’ve been terrific this season and it’s vital they stick with us for this last effort to stay in the Premier Division. I am still optimistic we can do it We mustn’t give up.”

CLIVE WALKER knows time is running out on Whites’ chances of staying up – but victory against Hampton and Richmond will throw the club a lifeline.

The form of other sides at the bottom of the table has been poor and, if results go our way again this weekend, Walker’s men will be within touching distance of safety. Three points, in fact.

Easier said than done – but the Whites boss certainly has not given up the ghost.

He said: “It’s going to be a hard game against Hampton and Richmond. They’re in good form but we’ve got to win this one. Time is nearly up so if the team can pull a result out of the bag, we’ll be right back in with a late shout.

“Our chances of staying up could even be in our own hands if we can win the next couple of games against Hampton and then Tonbridge away.

“While it’s mathematically possible, you cannot give up. I’d certainly have taken this position when I first came back in January when we something like 15 points adrift from safety.

“We’ve got Craig Wilkins back fit now and he looked good up at Braintree. Also we’ve got the likes of Craig Cloke and Victor Renner back from suspension, which makes us stronger. Also Dean Readings is still available to play as his two-match ban does not start until Monday.

“Matt Carruthers was back at Braintree and he looked lively so we’ve got a stronger side than the one that lost to Folkestone. We could’ve done with these players in that game but that’s gone now. We’ve got to look ahead.”

Clive has already decided which players he wishes to retain for next season. The club hopes to be in a position to release a retained list soon after the season finishes. Every player offered a new contract will have one month to make their mind up – so Whites can plan properly for the new campaign.

He said: “This team is not bad. We’ve got a good pool of players but we just need to add a bit of experience and quality. I’ve got a number of irons in the fire and we will certainly have a stronger team next season than now, whatever happens at the end of the relegation battle.”

Dover chairman Jim Parmenter hopes fans will get behind the side for the last two home games – against Hampton and Richmond, then Eastleigh.

The game tomorrow is actually bigger than the Bank Holiday Monday match with Folkestone. The club are still in the same position – six points adrift – and can still get out of trouble.

Jim said: “We need the continued support of fans. They’ve been terrific this season and it’s vital they stick with us for this last effort to stay in the Premier Division. I am still optimistic we can do it We mustn’t give up.”

CRAIG WILKINS believes he can add a bit of muscle upfront that could yet save Whites from the drop.

The club’s chances of staying in the Ryman Premier Division have been written off by a number of people – but Wilko is having none of it.

Dover’s ace striker scored at high-flying Braintree during Saturday’s 1-1 draw on his full 90 minute return to first-team action after a few months out with continued back problems.

He said: “There’s still four games left and the draw at Braintree has kept us in the fight. Had we lost, then a seven-point gap looks a huge ask.

“But, with our goal difference looking better than Cheshunt, a win this Saturday at home to Hampton and Richmond puts us within touching distance of staying up.

“There’s no doubt that we can do this. If we win our last four games, I’m sure we’ll stay up. But three wins could still be enough if Cheshunt and Harrow keep slipping.

“Tonbridge in a fortnight is going to be a massive game if we’re still in there. If we were to win there, that could put them out of the equation.

“The club shouldn’t be in this position but football sometimes is like that. Clive has come back and completely transformed things and the new board are a breath of fresh air at Dover Athletic.

“I can sense a real positive energy throughout the entire club. We have a great set-up and everything at Dover is now geared at looking up rather than down.”

Wilko, aged 30, injured his back last January but played through the pain barrier when he would have been better off resting. His injury only become worse and he has suffered again this season.

He said: “We were in a bad situation last year and I wanted to play on to help the club. In the end, that was a mistake. I should’ve been resting because my injury just got more serious.

“Everything seemed fine when I returned to the side this season but then I did my back in again at Slough. It gave way during a sprint and I’ve only now just recovered.

“All in all, I’ve had five injections in there but feel that I’ve had good rest now – and the specialist seems happy with the way things have gone.

“I’m certainly delighted to be back for these crucial games because I believe I can offer the team something in the final third, especially in the air.”

Wilko watched with disbelief earlier in the season from the touchline as the club’s on-the-field fortunes continued to nosedive.

He admitted: “It was very frustrating. When you’re just watching and you see those balls go into the box, you do wonder whether you’d get on the end of one or two and stick them in the back of the net.

“Since Clive’s returned things have improved greatly but I’ve still found it frustrating because there’s been games we’ve drawn that perhaps we could’ve won. And maybe I would’ve got a goal or two that would make the difference.”

Wilko admits his legs felt heavy after Braintree but is now very nearly back to 100 per cent fitness and cannot wait to face Hampton and Richmond on Saturday.

He said: “I played at their place earlier in the season and they’re a very physical side. They tried kicking lumps out of me a bit (see photo above) so I don’t expect it to be any different at our place!

“It’s another must-win. We can get a result and if we do then that can roll into our last three games.”

Meanwhile Wilko has been offered a one-year deal at the club. His current contract expires next month.

He said: “I want to stay. The reason I joined in the first place was because Clive was here. He’s back and I’m delighted about that. I certainly love playing at Dover and, with a few little things to sort out, I’ll be signing for another season.”

CRAIG WILKINS believes he can add a bit of muscle upfront that could yet save Whites from the drop.

The club’s chances of staying in the Ryman Premier Division have been written off by a number of people – but Wilko is having none of it.

Dover’s ace striker scored at high-flying Braintree during Saturday’s 1-1 draw on his full 90 minute return to first-team action after a few months out with continued back problems.

He said: “There’s still four games left and the draw at Braintree has kept us in the fight. Had we lost, then a seven-point gap looks a huge ask.

“But, with our goal difference looking better than Cheshunt, a win this Saturday at home to Hampton and Richmond puts us within touching distance of staying up.

“There’s no doubt that we can do this. If we win our last four games, I’m sure we’ll stay up. But three wins could still be enough if Cheshunt and Harrow keep slipping.

“Tonbridge in a fortnight is going to be a massive game if we’re still in there. If we were to win there, that could put them out of the equation.

“The club shouldn’t be in this position but football sometimes is like that. Clive has come back and completely transformed things and the new board are a breath of fresh air at Dover Athletic.

“I can sense a real positive energy throughout the entire club. We have a great set-up and everything at Dover is now geared at looking up rather than down.”

Wilko, aged 30, injured his back last January but played through the pain barrier when he would have been better off resting. His injury only become worse and he has suffered again this season.

He said: “We were in a bad situation last year and I wanted to play on to help the club. In the end, that was a mistake. I should’ve been resting because my injury just got more serious.

“Everything seemed fine when I returned to the side this season but then I did my back in again at Slough. It gave way during a sprint and I’ve only now just recovered.

“All in all, I’ve had five injections in there but feel that I’ve had good rest now – and the specialist seems happy with the way things have gone.

“I’m certainly delighted to be back for these crucial games because I believe I can offer the team something in the final third, especially in the air.”

Wilko watched with disbelief earlier in the season from the touchline as the club’s on-the-field fortunes continued to nosedive.

He admitted: “It was very frustrating. When you’re just watching and you see those balls go into the box, you do wonder whether you’d get on the end of one or two and stick them in the back of the net.

“Since Clive’s returned things have improved greatly but I’ve still found it frustrating because there’s been games we’ve drawn that perhaps we could’ve won. And maybe I would’ve got a goal or two that would make the difference.”

Wilko admits his legs felt heavy after Braintree but is now very nearly back to 100 per cent fitness and cannot wait to face Hampton and Richmond on Saturday.

He said: “I played at their place earlier in the season and they’re a very physical side. They tried kicking lumps out of me a bit (see photo above) so I don’t expect it to be any different at our place!

“It’s another must-win. We can get a result and if we do then that can roll into our last three games.”

Meanwhile Wilko has been offered a one-year deal at the club. His current contract expires next month.

He said: “I want to stay. The reason I joined in the first place was because Clive was here. He’s back and I’m delighted about that. I certainly love playing at Dover and, with a few little things to sort out, I’ll be signing for another season.”

CLIVE WALKER apologised to Dover fans after his team froze against our fiercest rivals Folkestone.

Local lad James Dryden headed a heart-breaking late winner for Invicta in front of a bumper 2390 crowd.

Dover only managed one shot on target in the entire match – a 25-yard pile-driver from Daniel Braithwaite – which was superbly pushed over the bar by keeper Tony Kessels.

The Dover boss said: “I can only say sorry for the way we played. We didn’t turn up and didn’t put up much of a fight as I would have expected.

“It was always a concern of mine that the youngsters in the side may struggle to meet the challenge of a must-win game against our biggest rivals and in front of a huge crowd.

“However, Cheshunt lost again which means we are still very much in with a shout of staying up. We are running out of games but the margin is still six points and if we can scrap something up at Braintree on Saturday, suddenly we’re back in that mixer again.

“The fans, as always, were brilliant. Sadly we didn’t give them a performance to cheer. But days like today demonstrate what a big club Dover Athletic are and outlines our potential.

“For Folkestone, you have to give them credit but it’s probably not going to get any better than this for them. Whereas we are playing a few levels down from our proper potential.”

CHAIRMAN Jim Parmenter was upbeat after our Bank Holiday Monday defeat against Folkestone.

Despite the disappointing 1-0 defeat, Whites still have a chance of avoiding the drop.

And whatever happens at the end of the season, Dover Athletic are in a robust and stable financial position.

Jim said: “It’s very important that this defeat doesn’t get everybody too downhearted. The club has made huge strides since January on and off the field.

“We were dead and buried, practically relegated and on the verge of bankruptcy.

“Yet now, thanks to the joint efforts of the directors, Supporters Trust, local businesses and importantly the fans, this club is moving forward.

“Although we lost against Folkestone, the fundraising ventures – the Brazil shirt raffle and Mascot Mayhem – earned the club more than �2000. A magnificent effort.

“If relegation happens, and at this moment in time it hasn’t, we will not allow that to stop the club going forward. I can assure fans that we will put a squad in place which will win Ryman League Division One at this first time of asking.

“Finally, may I say a huge thank you to our supporters and, although we’ve been beaten in a crucial match, this is a club to be proud of. I urge everyone to keep the faith.”