Don't panic! We're still on course to win title with 100 points, says Hessenthaler

Monday 31st December 2007

Such are the high standards at Dover Athletic nowadays, it is easy to get the jitters after dropping two points - especially at home against struggling Whitstable Town, writes Justin Allen.
During the last couple of seasons, a drawn game, even away from home, was seen as a crisis by a section of the Whites faithful. But one person who is not going to have sleepless nights after Tooting and Mitcham cut Dover's gap at the top of the table to three points on Saturday is boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Ironically, it was Hessenthaler who struck the equaliser in the 1-1 draw at SeaFrance Crabble to at least save a point for Dover after Matt Bourne’s own goal put Whitstable into a shock lead just after the break.

But, despite a below-par performance from Whites, defeat would have been an injustice against Whitstable, who came with the sole ambition of getting a point.

Hessenthaler told www.doverathletic.com: "It's easy to worry after dropping two points in a match that has been put down as a home banker.

"But you have to look at the bigger picture. We're now unbeaten in 11 matches, nine wins and two draws. We've only lost one game all season and are top of the league.

"We're on course to get more than 100 points. Even after this result, we're well on schedule for that.

"I cannot fault the lads' effort. They all put in a shift but unfortunately there were three or four players who did not perform to their usual high levels. And, of course, at any level of football, you struggle to win if too many aren't on top of their game.

"The commitment was there but sadly we lacked that bit of quality - and you just have to put it down to a bad day at the office. "But it's how you respond to that result in the next match - and I'm looking for us to bounce back with a win at Kingstonian, who will also be looking to do likewise after losing against Tooting."

Hessenthaler was surprised with how Whitstable's players were able to raise their levels after what has generally been a poor season for the Oystermen.

And the Whites boss admits it must be frustrating for his Whitstable counterpart Marc Seager.

He said: "I was chatting to Marc after the game and asked him, 'how can his side perform so poorly in the previous game against Sittingbourne and then up their levels for the Dover game?' It goes without saying that teams will do that to a certain extent - but I could never manage a team who can only get up for big games.

"To be the best and be at the top, you need to be willing to work hard and perform in every game.

"Marc admits he is left tearing his hair out at times - and I'm just glad I don't manage them. I don't mean that disrespectfully, but it'd do my head in if players weren't willing to work hard every time they play. It's certainly a tough job for Marc."

Hessenthaler has certainly never been one to shrink from a challenge - and could never be accused of not giving it his all.

And it was no surprise that it was the Whites player-boss who dug his men out of a hole by levelling - but sadly he had to take himself off as the two matches in the space of a few days started to take its toll on his 42-year-old legs.

He said: "Me playing two full games in a few days at my age? It just isn't possible.

"I had to take myself off and freshen things up in a bid to win the game. A lot of the lads were out on their feet after the Ashford game, playing in tough conditions.

"We battered Whitstable in the second half and should've won the game. But the main thing is if you don't win, then don't get beat. And it's another point to our tally."

The crowd, in full voice, was a credit to the club - and Hessenthaler has a message for them: "Keep coming to the games, let's get the atmosphere sky high. They were a credit in this match and I am just sorry we didn't perform for them on the day.

"But we have been performing this season and are top of the league. We want to keep building towards our goals and large crowds at Crabble can certainly help us. Players love playing in front of large crowds and it will only enhance the club's reputation when we try to bring potential new players to the club for next season."

Article courtesy of Justin Allen – www.doverathletic.com