Keister loses his appeal and misses the rest of the season

Dover Athletic’s play-off credentials will be tested again this weekend when they travel to mid-table Cray Wanderers for the first of three league games on the road before the final day at Crabble against Horsham YMCA, writes Matthew Clements.

Dover will hope to put bad memories of Hayes Lane behind them on Saturday after suffering two defeats in their last two visits to Bromley FC.

The most recent, Ashford Middlesex's 4-1 victory over Clive Walker's men in the Westview Cup final, was a difficult night to endure for players and supporters alike.

Worse than the result, however, was the injury to Matt Bourne. Arguably Dover's most consistent player this season and favourite for the player of the season award, the young centre back aggravated a groin injury and may not play again this season.

Another defender John Keister is also expected to be missing following his third red card of the season during the 5-0 home win over Chatham Town.

The former Margate man lost his appeal to the FA after they viewed video footage of the incident and have judged that the referee was correct to dismiss him.

Keister has been given an extra match ban for losing his appeal, which means he now misses SIX games, ruling him out of a play-off final should Dover get there.

The club have successfully appealed two red cards this season - but unfortunately, in this case, did not find in the club’s favour.

This leaves manager Walker with a selection headache in defence. Craig Cloke has already had to move back from midfield following Matt Bourne's injury and the reinstatement of Craig Wilkins up front.

The suspension for Keister would mean moving either Wilkins back into defence or Tony Browne to sweeper from right wing back. The only other option would be changing formation, playing four at the back with Cloke and Nicky Humphrey as the two central defenders. Moving Wilkins back seems the unlikeliest option due to the lack of options up front this weekend.

Sam Vallance is not an option, as he is suspended for the rest of the season following a number of red cards for the reserves this season. Could reserve defender Grant Bagley get a surprise call-up for a place on the bench?

Much to ponder for the Whites chief over the next 24 hours then. However, the problems do not stop there.

In midfield there are less significant but still numerable problems. Left wing-backs James Rogers and Daniel Braithwaite are both doubtful with ankle and groin injuries respectively.

Walker will be keen to have one of them in the side and the fittest of the two is sure to line-up up on the left side of midfield this weekend. Options in central midfield are better, with Lee Spiller and Liam Quinn both back from injury.

However, Shane Hamshare is doubtful with a knock and Danny Lye (joint-owned with Bearsted) has pulled a hamstring.

The forwards pick themselves, presuming Walker continues with three up front. Jimmy Dryden, Byron Walker and Craig Wilkins are the only fully fit options in attack.

Bradley Spice was on the bench on Saturday but is unlikely to start so soon after a long lay off, while Tommy Tyne is still out with a twisted ankle.

Anton Innocent is unfortunately now on holiday for two weeks, just when he may have got back in the team!

Dover go into Saturday's game with confidence following an impressive 2-1 home win against 2nd placed Hastings, whilst Cray Wanderers’ confidence may be shattered after their 4-0 drubbing at home to Ashford on Wednesday.

However, Cray Wanderers are known to play better against the top teams than the lower ones. Their recent results prove this theory. Draws against Hastings and Fleet, a win against Met Police but losses against Chatham, Walton, Corinthian-Casuals and Ashford.

Wanderers' midfielder Ross Lover, rumoured to have been a Dover transfer target when Terry White was in caretaker charge, will be the key man to stop. Said to be the man who can get Cray ticking, Lover has scored nine league goals this season. The Wood brothers are the club's top-scorers.

Should Dover improve on their woeful defensive record at Hayes Lane, a win could be on the cards. However, with defensive options limited and Dover's away form questionable at present, Dover will need some stand out performances and plenty of gritty determination at Hayes Lane if they are to send their travelling fans home happy.

Let's have a look at the promotion contenders:
(1st = automatic promotion, 2nd to 5th = play-offs)

1) Maidstone United
- Met Police (8th) away
- Kingstonian (14) home
- Ashford Town (20) away
- Walton Casuals (18) away
Current points: 73

2) Hastings United
- Dartford (7) home
- Corinthian-Casuals. (22) home
- Godalming Town (21) away
Current points: 72

3) Tooting & Mitcham United
- Whyteleafe (16) away
- Walton Casuals (18) home
- Godalming Town(21) home
- Ashford Town (20) away
Current points: 69

4) Dulwich Hamlet
- Walton Casuals (18) home
- Ashford Town (20) home
- Cray Wanderers (12) away
Current points: 66

5) Dover Athletic
- Cray Wanderers (12) away
- Burgess Hill Town (11) away
- Corinthian-Casuals. (22) away
- Horsham YMCA (10) home
Current points: 65

6) Fleet Town
- Corinthian-Casuals. (22) home
- Ashford Town (20) home
- Croydon Athletic (19) home
- Sittingbourne (13) away
Current points: 65

7) Dartford
- Hastings United (2) away
- Walton Casuals (18) home
- Met Police (8) away
Current points: 64

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Now that our laptop has been repaired, www.kentishfootball.co.uk are aiming to provide LIVE coverage of this game at Hayes Lane.

Visit club websites: 

www.craywands.co.uk

www.doverathletic.com

Cray Wanderers v Dover Athletic
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 14^th April 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EF