Kentish Football 
Hopefully we can come away with a lions share of the points over the Christmas period - Hayes
Friday 24th December 2010
DOVER ATHLETIC boss Martin Hayes says he is targeting between eight and twelve points from the gruelling Christmas programme, writes Stephen McCartney.
The former Arsenal star has been kicking his heels as the club have played only one game this month - a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Maidenhead United on 11 December - but like London Buses four will come along in quick succession over the festive period.
The Whites lock horns with Kent rivals Bromley at Hayes Lane on Boxing Day, before the return match follows at Crabble on New Year’s Day.
Dover host Lewes at Crabble on 28 December, before Hayes takes his promotion chasing side to another struggling side, Thurrock on 3 January 2011.
Dover Athletic go into the Christmas programme sitting in fifth place in the Blue Square Bet South table with 27 points from 15 games, whilst Bromley are in second place (or joint-top) with 33 points from 17 games.
But Lewes and Thurrock are both in the bottom four with only 12 points from 17 outings.
Hayes, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk on Christmas Eve, wants his side to kick a ball in anger, after training in snow-bound fields and school halls in recent weeks.
He said: “Allegedly we have (a game at Bromley), you don’t know with the weather, it might be another week without any (football) - how demoralising would that be!”
“It’s a start of a busy Christmas campaign and having played only one game in the last month, which was a pretty disappointing draw - we get a chance to go and play Bromley, who we haven’t played yet.
“Obviously they’re top two so that will be a good chance for us to try and make up some points on them.”
Hayes insists his squad are capable of coping with four games within an eight day period.
“The only good thing is everybody’s playing the same games so everybody’s going to be tested,” he said.
“Four games in eight days is a tall order and I’m pleased that, at the moment, I’ve got a full squad literally of 20 players who are fit and healthy with no suspensions so I’ve got good options as those games, if they go on, will take their toll.
“Lewes and Bromley at home, are two home games that we’ll be looking to maximise some points and Thurrock away is always tough and a game that we will be looking to come away from with the points - it’s just what we can get at Bromley.
“Hopefully we can come away with a lions share of the points over the Christmas period.”
When asked about his points target during this hectic period, Hayes replied, “From my point of view probably anywhere eight and 12 would be gauging from acceptable to unbelievable, but the minimum I really want is eight. There’s no reason why we can’t get 12, there’s some teams that have a much tougher programme, even though they will be difficult in their own way.”
Hayes feels he has spent his budget wisely and these are the times that all members will be utilised.
“It’s something we’ve kept together all season,” he said. “Sometimes it’s how you spend your money. Teams choose on a small bunch of players, I like to keep a healthy squad that’s worked together all season.
“We’ve got Elliott Charles back, ready to go, which is like a new signing. We haven’t had use of him for about six or seven weeks - even more than that really, before Gillingham.
“I’m sure they’re going to come into it and the pleasing thing is they’re all players with good Conference South and even Conference experience so I’m hoping that will help us at the second Bromley game and when the Thurrock game comes along. It’s going to help us afterwards we’re pretty much Saturday and Tuesday for the next two months and a lot of sides are going to feel it if they’ve got small squads.”
Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com
Bromley v Dover Athletic
Blue Square Bet South
Boxing Day, Sunday 26 December 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd