DOVER ATHLETIC chairman Jim Parmenter remains upbeat despite their Easter Monday defeat against Folkestone Invicta, writes Justin Allen.

And whatever happens at the end of the season, Dover Athletic are in a robust and stable financial position.

Parmenter said: "It's very important that this defeat doesn't get everybody too downhearted. The club has made huge strides since January on and off the field.

"Yet now, thanks to the joint efforts of the directors, Supporters Trust, local businesses and importantly the fans, this club is moving forward.

"Although we lost against Folkestone, the fundraising ventures - the Brazil shirt raffle and Mascot Mayhem - earned the club more than Ł2000. A magnificent effort.

"If relegation happens, and at this moment in time it hasn't, we will not allow that to stop the club going forward. I can assure fans that we will put a squad in place which will win Ryman League Division One at this first time of asking.

"Finally, may I say a huge thank you to our supporters and, although we've been beaten in a crucial match, this is a club to be proud of. I urge everyone to keep the faith."

Manager Clive Walker, however, apologised to Dover fans after his team froze against their fiercest of rivals, Folkestone Invicta.

Local lad James Dryden headed a heart-breaking late winner for Invicta in front of a bumper 2390 crowd.

Dover only managed one shot on target in the entire match - a 25-yard pile-driver from Daniel Braithwaite - which was superbly pushed over the bar by keeper Tony Kessell.

The Dover boss said: "I can only say sorry for the way we played. We didn't turn up and didn't put up much of a fight as I would have expected.

"It was always a concern of mine that the youngsters in the side may struggle to meet the challenge of a must-win game against our biggest rivals and in front of a huge crowd.

"However, Cheshunt lost again which means we are still very much in with a shout of staying up. We are running out of games but the margin is still six points and if we can scrap something up at Braintree on Saturday, suddenly we're back in that mixer again.

"The fans, as always, were brilliant. Sadly we didn't give them a performance to cheer. But days like today demonstrate what a big club Dover Athletic are and outlines our potential.

"For Folkestone, you have to give them credit but it's probably not going to get any better than this for them. Whereas we are playing a few levels down from our proper potential."

Dover welcome back Matt Carruthers for their trip to Essex after serving his suspension. Victor Renner and defender Craig Cloke will be available for their home game with Hampton & Richmond Borough (9th April).

Walker added: "We’ve got some hard games. A lot of the teams we’re playing are in play-off situations. We’ve just got to win our remaining matches."

Striker Craig Wilkins has come off the bench in his last two games but is still some way off match fitness. He is likely to be a substitute again at Braintree.

Young forward Michael Smissen, however, has returned to the club following his loan spell at Southern Leaguers Chatham Town but midfielder Stuart Maynard has accepted an offer to play for his home town club, Dunstable.

Walker unveiled new signing, former QPR, Wycombe Wanderers and Oldham Athletic youth player Alistair Heselton against Folkestone, after the striker moved to Crabble from Ryman Premier rivals Northwood. Defender Nick Humphrey has also returned to Dover and went straight into the side against Folkestone.

Braintree have now gone ten league games unbeaten since a defeat at Tonbridge on New Year’s Day and a run of nine successive wins in all competitions recently came to an end. George Borg's side are unbeaten at Cressing Road since September 25th.

Dover will need to win their last five league games to have any chance of playing Ryman Premier League football next season.

Dover's last five league games:

Sat 2 April    (a)    Braintree Town
Sat 9 April    (h)    Hampton & Richmond Borough
Sat 16 April (a)    Tonbridge Angels
Sat 23 April (a)    Wealdstone
Sat 30 April (h)    Eastleigh

TBA
Kent Senior Cup Final vs Folkestone Invicta or Margate

Braintree Town v Dover Athletic
Ryman League Premier Division
Saturday 2nd April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Cressing Road Stadium, Clockhouse Way, Braintree, Essex