Hessenthaler relishing spicy Dartford return

But Hessenthaler’s Dover banged in four second half goals to defeat Harrow Borough 4-0 at Perrys Crabble, with James Rogers and Sammy Moore both bagging a brace.

Despite a nervy opening, Hessenthaler, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning, was pleased with the performance from his side.

"I didn’t have to say too much at half-time because I thought the last fifteen minutes of the first half was when we really started to get going," he said.

"It was a case of just carrying on as we’ve left off. We didn’t want half-time to come because I felt we were gradually getting on top.

"The first half hour we weren’t at the races. I think it was a little bit down to nerves and give them some credit as well, they made it very difficult for us. They know we like to pass the ball but second half we did carry it on and came out worthy winners in the end."

Dover Athletic produced the best result in the division at the weekend and proudly sit at the top of the table going into their visit to Dartford, who currently occupy penultimate place.

But Hessenthaler said: "If we’re top of the table, or top of the tree as you say, come the end of April, beginning of May, I’d be absolutely delighted.

"But we won our first game last year quite comfortably, so maybe that’s a good omen, who knows?

"But it’s a long, long way to go but it’s always nice to get off to a good start."

A crowd in the region of 2,000 people are expected to bring plenty of passion to Princes Park for the game between, arguably, two of Kent’s biggest clubs.

"Obviously it’s my old club as well, it’s a little bit of spice to the game and I think there’s a big rivalry between the two clubs," said Hessenthaler.

"I know the manager, Tony Burman, really well, he’s a good friend of mine but come quarter-to-eight tomorrow night friendship goes out of the window. We both want to win the game - but we’ll have a beer afterwards.

"But we’ve got to improve on Kent derbies from last year as we struggled, but if you can’t be up for a game like that, you’ll never get up for a game and I’m hoping my players will relish the game."

The Princes Park showdown will certainly not be for the feint-hearted and is the first Kent derby to be played in the Ryman League this season.

"These are the games the players should look forward to playing," said Hessenthaler. "There could be two-thousand there tomorrow night.

"I’m sure all the players, come quarter-to-eight will be looking forward to getting out there and enjoying the game.

"It will be good for the (Ryman) Premier League because there’s going to be a big crowd there and le’ts hope it turns out to be a good spectacle as well.

"It’s always passionate, I’m a passionate guy, the people, the supporters are passionate. As it’s a derby it adds that little bit of extra spice.

"With us winning 4-0 helps as we go in with more confidence. They lost 3-0, a little bit of a slip up and they will be right up for the game wanting to bounce back."

Hessenthaler revealed he will make a late decision on Nathan Bailey’s fitness (ankle), but fellow forward Shaun Welford (shin) could come into contention if the summer signing cannot play.

But Alan Pouton (back) and Craig Cloke (recovering from his kidney operation) are definitely ruled out.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Visit Dover Athletic’s websites: www.doverathletic.com & www.dafctv.co.uk

Dartford v Dover Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Tuesday 19^th August 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT