We have not hit form yet and there is more to come, says Dover Athletic boss Nicky Forster

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Nicky Forster says there is more to come from his side following their 1-0 win at Basingstoke Town at the weekend.

The Whites clinched victory in Hampshire courtesy of striker Ben May’s sixth goal in six games, which saw the club climb up to seventh-place in the Blue Square Bet (Conference) South table, with nineteen points from 12 games.

Dover Athletic are only one point adrift  of fifth-placed side Hayes & Yeading United, who occupy a play-off berth after Welling United’s 2-1 defeat away to  Maidenhead United at the weekend.

Forster decided to revert back to a 4-4-2 formation with Chris Sessegnon and Ricky Modester being promoted to the starting line-up.

Forster told www.doverathletic.com:  "We could have played better football and we relied on Mitch Walker at times, but the result is more important than the performance."

Forster also praised the commitment of the team: "They really put their bodies on the line and blocked lots of shots, there was a real desire to keep a clean sheet."

Forster was quick to praise May’s importance to the team.

He said: "Any player in that form would be vital and he is so strong. He is the complete player at this level. However, the other players also need to chip in with goals."

Billericay Town arrive at Crabble sitting in thirteenth-place in the table, with 17 points from 12 games.

The Essex club clinched the Ryman Premier League title last season and are four points clear of the relegation zone.

Dover Athletic have been in excellent form away from home and remain unbeaten, but the same cannot be said with results at Crabble.

Forster said: "We certainly have to be more patient and clinical at home. When away, we tend to absorb pressure as teams are expected to come at us, whereas at home the fans are expectant and we have to come out and play.

"Home results have not been good and it is down to us to find the answers, of which I believe lie within the squad. I can't fault their efforts so far."

The Dover faithful will be hopeful Tuesday night's home game against Billericay Town will see a turn of fortune at Crabble and Forster, who has no new injuries to contend with, is predicting a tough encounter,

"They (Billericay) get the ball from back to front very quickly. It will probably be a physical game and one where we will need to stand up and be counted."
 

With little preparation time for midweek games, the Dover boss spoke about the frustration at not having more time with the squad.

He said: "In the pro game, you will get up to three training sessions with the players, whereas after saying goodbye on a Saturday, we then only have an hour and a half before kick-off. Being able to show the players what to do on the training ground is much better than using a tactical board, but this is the nature of non-league."

However, despite being part time, he confirmed the players do put in extra work in addition to the two training sessions per week.

"It is something you can't police and there has to be an element of trust but they are a really good bunch and are all on it."

With Salisbury City winning again at the weekend, with a 2-1 win over Bromley at Hayes Lane, the former Brentford and Brighton striker also spoke of his plans and aspirations for Dover this season.

"The aim at the start of season was to improve on last year and to finish in the top five, which we are well positioned to do. Dartford won the play-offs last year and are now doing very well in the league above."

He also confirmed he has no plans to bring in any more players for the time being: "I am happy with the size and quality of the squad. We have not hit top form yet and there is more to come."

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Dover Athletic  v  Billericay Town
Blue Square Bet South
Tuesday 30^th October 2012
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Crabble Athletic Ground, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB