FA Trophy Special: Hessenthaler serious about extended Trophy run

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Andy Hessenthaler says Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Trophy tie at Staines Town is just as important as any league game, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Whites suffered their first defeat in eleven when they exited the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat at Blue Square South AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

Despite playing the whole ninety minutes, Hessenthaler, 43, was unable to stop his table-topping Ryman Premier League side losing in the third qualifying round replay at Kingsmeadow.

Attention now turns to their first FA Carlsberg Trophy tie of the season against a Staines Town side that are three places and six points below them in the table.

Gravesend born Hessenthaler attended the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium in May, summarising for BBC Radio Kent, as Ebbsfleet United defeated Torquay United 1-0.

And having experienced the Kent side winning at Wembley Stadium, Hessenthaler wants his side to enjoy an extended run in the competition, and wants to win the game at Wheatsheaf Park on Saturday.

“The FA Trophy is a big trophy isn’t it, and it’s a chance to play at Wembley,” Hessenthaler told www.kentishfootball.co.uk following his side’s disappointing FA Cup exit.

“I was fortunate to work with (BBC Radio Kent) when Ebbsfleet got to the final and won it last year, so it’s a fantastic tournament so it’s one we want to take seriously against a very good side in Staines.

“It’s going to be another very tough game for us. I haven’t had back-to-back losses since I’ve been at the club and I certainly don’t want it at the weekend.”

Hessenthaler revealed he was thinking about bringing in another goalkeeper on loan as John Whitehouse was forced to miss the goal-less draw at Perrys Crabble on Saturday after injuring his thumb during the warm-up.

But the former Chatham Town stopper was fit enough to play in the replay, but couldn’t do anything to prevent Anthony Finn and Danny Kedwell ending the Kent giants FA Cup hopes.

“We took a risk on John, he was in a lot of pain to be fair to him,” revealed Hessenthaler.

“I’ve made calls about getting in goalkeeper’s in on loan for the weekend buy he’s come through and made a couple wonderful saves.”

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

Staines Town v Dover Athletic
FA Carlsberg Trophy First Qualifying Round
Saturday 18^th October 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex TW18 2PD