Dover expect physical battle at Hornchurch

TABLE TOPPING Dover Athletic player-manager Andy Hessenthaler expects his side to be bullied by a physical AFC Hornchurch side at Bridge Avenue on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Kent giants have bagged maximum points from their opening two Ryman Premier League campaign, having defeated Harrow Borough 4-0 at Perrys Crabble, before sealing a 2-0 win at fierce rivals Dartford in front of 1,781 at Princes Park in midweek.

Hessenthaler, however, knows what to expect against the Essex side who opened their campaign with a 2-1 win at Ramsgate, followed by a 2-0 home defeat to much-fancied side Carshalton Athletic.

The Urchins are big and strong at the back, rely on balls over the top and midfield playmaker Lee Hodges pulls their strings.

“It’s not going to be easy,” warned Hessenthaler, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  following their derby day midweek win.

“They’ll be big and strong and will try to intimidate our young side. We’ve got quite a few young players, not (John) Keister or myself and (Alan) Pouton, (our) most experienced (players).”

The Whites expect to be without former Ramsgate defender Ollie Schulz, who picked up an ankle injury at Dartford.

“He’s having an x-ray on his ankle,” revealed Hessenthaler. “Unfortunately he looks really doubtful for the weekend, which is a blow, but Craig Cloke is not far away, Laurence Ball is there, so we’ll be testing the squad at the weekend.”

Assistant boss Darren Hare, meanwhile, also revealed striker Nathan Bailey, who missed the win at Dartford with an ankle injury, could be part of the squad.

He said: “He should be on contention for the weekend, he had a slight ankle twist.”

Hessenthaler and Hare are delighted with Dover’s start to the season and on performances so far will be title contenders come the end of the season.

But Hare said: “We’re delighted with the start but nothings won this side of Christmas, well, nothings won this side of Easter to be honest.

“There’s still a long, long way to go and we’re delighted to get two wins under our belt but that’s gone, history, and we’ve got to prepare now for the Hornchurch game on Saturday.

“It’s difficult to make any projections - you try and win every game and if we’re up there at the end of it then great!

“We’ll just be as professional we can and prepare properly for each match.”

Visit Dover Athletic’s website:  www.doverathletic.com

AFC Hornchurch v Dover Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 23^rd August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Stadium, Bridge Avenue, Upminster, Essex RM14 2LX