Hessenthaler looks to bring in prolific striker

Andy Hessenthaler is hoping to sign a prolific striker - to finish off the many chances Dover Athletic have been creating this season, writes Justin Allen.

Hessenthaler’s men lost their first league game of the season 1-0 against Chatham at SeaFrance Crabble despite dominating the game and carving open the visitors at will.

The Dover Athletic player-boss insists he could not criticise the performance but did recognise his team cannot keep blaming bad luck for not scoring goals.

He said: "The effort from the boys was first class. We sat in the dressing room after the game for more than a hour. We couldn't believe we'd lost the game - but that kind of thing does happen.

"We didn't get the rub of the green in front of goal and a misunderstanding between Matt Fish and Dean Ruddy has allowed Chatham to score. Their manager was quite embarrassed after the game but of course he took the win, as they came down to get something from the game.

"And you have to give them credit, especially their defence, which was superb. They threw bodies in front of everything all night - but that's what we should expect from teams playing against us.

Although we were a bit unlucky in front of goal, hitting the woodwork three or four times, we cannot keep blaming not having the luck with us. We have to convert our chances.

"That's why we need to bring a more prolific striker to the club. I've spoken to the chairman and he's told me there's no money in the pot, so we may well have to move someone out to free up some funds to bring a player in. I am fully aware of that situation as I have been since I came to the club. I know what the budget is.

"But we cannot keep missing chances. It's important, at any level, to make the most of them and kill off your opponents.

"The chairman and I had a long conversation about the issue land we're hoping to work on a few things to make it happen."

Hessenthaler has challenged his team to win their next two league games this month, Burgess Hill away and Met Police at home.

He said: "We set the team targets every month and if we win our next two league games, we'll be one point above the target we set for October. We're setting targets each month to keep us on course for what we believe will be enough to win the title.

"We're in third place and even if we're in that position come January I will be happy, because we'll be in the hunt big-time. The season is very young and I told the lads on Monday night that there's nothing stopping us going on another long unbeaten run.

"That was our first league defeat in nine matches. If we were to lose once every nine games, we're going to be right up there. We've got to bounce back and string another run together."

Hessenthaler will make changes for the trip to Maldon Town in the FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday.

He said: "There were a lot of tired legs out there and we'll freshen it up on Saturday. That's going to give some lads a chance to stake a claim for a place in the side against Burgess Hill the following week.

"That's the whole point of having a squad. They all need to play a part and when they get a chance must show me they should keep their place in the side."

Article courtesy of Justin Allen at www.doverathletic.com

Maldon Town v Dover Athletic
FA Carlsberg Trophy First Qualifying Round
Saturday 20^th October 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Wallace Binder, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5XX