Dover Athletic chairman left frustrated over Eastbourne's negative tactics

JIM PARMENTER is backing Dover Athletic to start handing out some hidings - after seeing Whites draw their third Ryman League Division One South game in a row, writes Justin Allen.

The Whites chairman has been a frustrated observer as teams have packed their defences.

Eastbourne Town "parked the bus" just in front of their goal at SeaFrance Crabble on Saturday and managed to secure an excellent goalless draw in their bid to beat the drop.

But, for many of the River End faithful, it proved annoying - as one team clearly went hell for leather for three points, but without reward.

Meanwhile, the team who showed no ambition to go forward at any point grabbed a result that could go a long way to maintaining their place in Ryman One next season.

As each Dover chance went begging, the groans of frustration grew louder - and they were not just heard in the terraces.

In the directors box, the Whites chairman asked close friends and family: "Why am I involved in this?"

He told www.doverathletic.com: "It was embarrassing. I'm one of these people who believe that both teams should go for the win. I like positive football and Eastbourne's tactics were the most frustrating I've ever experienced in the game.

"I can't criticise their approach too much. They came for a point and got it. You have to take your hats off to them but, from our point of view, it was awful to watch so many chances going begging.

"We did everything but score but I can just sense some pressure mounting on these players - and I don't think there should be any.

"This team has done superbly well this season. We've lost just one game in the league, have three games in hand and are only two points behind leaders Tooting.

"It's important that the positive vibe around the ground continues. I believe our fans can intimidate many visiting teams with the amount of noise they can generate.

"I just want all our fans to help us suck the ball into the net. We just need to relax that pressure at Crabble and the expectations on the team to win a little bit, even though we're all desperate for them to do well."

Supporters have been encouraged by Andy Hessenthaler's team this term. His passing, attacking tactics have gone down a storm with many of the fans who felt previous teams had become shy of the opponents' 18-yard box.

But it is clear his talented team are now being asked a few more questions by our opponents - and one of them is "try and break us down".

To be fair, Hessenthaler's men have done that well, in terms of creating chances - but the composure and skill has been lacking in the final third recently.

And that is something not lost on the former Gillingham star.

Mr Parmenter said: "In Andy and Darren Hare, we've got the best management team we could've hoped for. They know what is required and I've every faith they will work with the players on being more clinical.

"We're looking forward to the next couple of months. The business end of the season is getting closer and I'm sure we will prevail."

Dover Athletic visit Chatham Town - the only side to beat Hessenthaler’s side in the Ryman League this season - on Saturday.

Article courtesy of Justin Allen - www.doverathletic.com