We've got a very good chance of finishing where we want to be, says Nicky Forster

DOVER ATHLETIC manager Nicky Forster says he is expecting a blood-and-thunder battle against Sutton United on Easter Monday.



The Whites edged back towards the play-off picture, following their 3-2 victory away to bitter Kent rivals Tonbridge Angels yesterday.

They moved to within two points of wobbling Chelmsford City, who came away from second-placed Dartford with a goal-less draw.

Much-criticised skipper, central defender, Shane Huke powered home a free header following an 87^th minute corner to seal a crucial three points in a game of high quality at Longmead Stadium yesterday.

Poor defending from a corner gave Tim Olounda the simple task of stabbing the ball over the line after Sonny Miles’ initial header had come down off the crossbar, to give Tommy Warrilow’s side a tenth minute lead.

But Dover Athletic pulled a goal back six minutes later when striker Terry Dixon, who oozed class throughout the game before being forced off due to his problematic knee  injury, smashed home an equaliser after keeper Lee Worgan had pulled off a brilliant save to deny him with a header after an excellent cross from winger Donovan Simmonds.

Both sides converted penalties, within a two minute spell, just before the half-an-hour mark.

Billy Bricknell scored his seventeen goal of the season from the spot, but Dover’s joy was short-lived when Frannie Collin scored his 29^th goal of the season and his 50^th for Tonbridge Angels, before Huke snatched the points late on when he met Barry Cogan’s corner.

Dover Athletic’s play-off aspirations seemed lost when they suffered three successive defeats to Staines Town, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Boreham Wood, but thanks to Chelmsford City suffering their perennial wobble, Forster’s men are now only two points adrift of the Essex club and have everything to play for in their last four games.

Dover Athletic welcome fourth-placed Sutton United to Crabble on Easter Monday, whilst Chelmsford are at home to Eastbourne Borough.

The Surrey outfit were held to a 1-1 draw by Bromley at Gander Green Lane yesterday.  Hakeem Araba’s equalising goal ensures Bromley go into tomorrow’s home clash against second-placed Dartford two points clear of the relegation zone.

Dover Athletic, meanwhile, finish their campaign with a trip to Havant & Waterlooville next Saturday, before playing their final home game against Maidenhead United, before ending their league campaign with a trip to Weston-super-Mare.

“I mean, we’ve given ourselves a chance again,” said Forster.

“We knew that if we could put a run together we’ll have a very, very good chance of finishing where we want to be, which is obviously the top-five and yesterday’s result gives us that springboard again to go on.

“For some reason we have that freedom away from home, but Monday is another big game for us and we’ll look forward to it.”

When asked what kind of game he is expecting against a Sutton United side who are seven points clear of his side, the 38-year-old replied, “It will be blood and thunder.  There in the play-offs, we’re trying to get into the play-offs.  There will be a big atmosphere.  I just hope it’s another good encounter like yesterday, where both teams were really having a go.”

Knowing that their last four league games are must-win matches, Forster, who dropped 12-goal striker George Purcell yesterday, added, “We’ve got to concentrate on Monday.  If we don’t capitalise on the chance we’ve given ourselves again we won’t get to where we want to be.”

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

Dover Athletic  v  Sutton United
Blue Square Bet South
Easter Monday 9^th April 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Crabble, Lewisham Road, River, Dover, Kent CT17 0JB