We're closing in on league title, says Hessenthaler

DOVER ATHLETIC took yet another step closer securing back-to-back titles, following their dull goal-less stalemate against challengers Staines Town yesterday, writes Stephen McCartney.

A crowd of 2,019 watched a game that failed to live up to expectations between the top-two sides, although the Whites did stretch their unbeaten run to seventeen league games, and their lead to fifteen points over the west London side.

“I think we would’ve taken it (a point) before the game, on reflection on the game,” boss Andy Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent afterwards.

“I thought we played well, we worked very hard. We had a lot of the ball and unfortunately we just didn’t have that cutting edge today, that real quality in the final third.

“But I can’t fault the players, that’s now 17 games unbeaten and unbeaten at home still.”

Hessenthaler, who clinched the Ryman One South title in his first season in charge at Crabble, was pleased with the performance of midfield playmaker Alan Pouton.

“He was terrific, what a player!”, said the boss.

“He knows he’s been off his game for a couple of weeks, but that’s not just him.

“Again, with his fitness, he’s finding his fitness again, he’s been out for a while, but he dictated the game. His background, where he’s come from, he’s a class act and we’re going to need him now until the end of the season.

“Obviously (with Jon) Wallis coming back as well and (Matt) Fish getting ninety minutes under their belt, that can only help us as well.”

Dover Athletic need just 13 points from their last seven games to mathematically deny Staines Town the title.

Kent rivals, Tonbridge Angels travel to Wheatsheaf Park on Tuesday night, and a win for Tommy Warrilow’s side will also be celebrated in east Kent.

“I’m confident, yes,” said Hessenthaler, that his side will finish off the job.

“To be seventeen games unbeaten, with seven to go, I believe we will certainly get the points and we’ll win this league.

“We’ve got to do what we normally do, look forward to the next game, and until it’s over we won’t celebrate.”

Dover Athletic travel to Billericay Town next weekend, a side that ended their run in this season’s Ryman League Cup.

However, the Essex side have lost the services of Dunfermline born former East Fife, Tottenham, Motherwell (loan), Woking and AFC Wimbledon striker, Steve Ferguson, who made his debut for Tonbridge Angels yesterday, in their 3-0 win at Carshalton Athletic.

Quotes courtesy of BBC Radio Kent: www.bbc.co.uk/kent

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com

Billericay Town v Dover Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 21^st March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SA