"But, ultimately, the result was not acceptable – although those fans who travelled down to Sussex would not dispute that we dominated two thirds of the game and this was reinforced by their manager afterwards, who admitted Worthing were lucky to gain all three points." in the 1-0 win at Woodside Road.

"The match itself started as I expected and, as I had warned the players beforehand after Worthing had put five past Salisbury the previous week, they started fast and full of vigour.

"Yet I can only think of two saves which our goalkeeper had to make in this first period of any substance. Again we defended as a unit extremely well. We were, in my opinion, comfortably weathering the storm when yet again a individual error cost us dearly.

"Only Dean Readings will know why he decided to blatantly handle the ball with apparently no danger other than an opposing player in close proximity with little or no chance of getting a header on target.
 
"Despite going a goal down at this point, after they converted the resulting penalty, I was pleased with our response. Unlike the Heybridge match, (which was lost 2-1 at home) we kept going and as the half continued we began to be the dominant force with Worthing showing little in return.
 
"The second half continued where the first half left off. We defended well and I was pleased we did not concede in open play – and the desire of the team to defend when not in possession was pleasing. Again we created more than enough chances to win this match, but are falling short in taking these chances when they arrive.
 
"With the effort and commitment of the players clearly reaping rewards, we fully deserved the penalty kick. But, unfortunately, Craig Wilkins’ miss for me was a bitter pill to swallow as we clearly deserved to be level.

"And I believe if Craig had converted the penalty we would have gone on to win the game. However “what ifs and buts" do not win you points and another individual error has cost us. Craig himself was inconsolable after the final whistle and on the coach home. It cannot be said this squad of players don’t care – believe me they do.
 
"The remainder of the second half was again one-way traffic both before and after Worthing had their player sent off. Worthing’s only real chance came from a header from a corner and a further couple of shots which did not trouble our keeper.

"Unfortunately the final whistle came and again we had lost a match we should have got something from as acknowledged by our travelling supporters who clapped the team off at the end.
 
"For the record, I would like to confirm an issue which I’ve been asked recently and in particular regarding Chris Wright. First and foremost I have no problems with this player as I admire his footballing ability, and we get on very well.

"The reason for Chris playing for the reserves on Saturday is a club discipline issue.

"Credit should be given to Chris in his approach and action over this internal issue which he took responsibility for and his return to the first-team squad is simply a question of selection from now on. I’m sure all supporters must accept a code of conduct needs to apply at Dover Athletic for all players at all levels.
 
"I was extremely pleased with all players who were called into the squad yesterday for their debuts.
 
"Kevin Lott played well in the first half and showed glimpses of the player he is despite a stomach bug which forced his removal at half time.

"Lee Scott, playing the right side of midfield, created chances when coming on in the second half with his running and ability to go past players and deliver crosses.

"David Clifford showed no signs that this was his first outing for the first team playing in his usual position at left-back.

"Gary Wood, when he came on, created chances and was unlucky not to score with a header from a Lee Scott cross and a shot kicked off the line in one phase of play.

"Kevin Readings, in goal, gave us a presence and confidence by dominating his six-yard area and penalty box by coming and getting crosses, along with the length of his goal kicks etc.
 
"Now we have competition for places in all departments which I did not have when taking over the previous first-team squad.
 
"There’s no doubt these players will figure in the first-team squad for the next two to three matches or however long I remain in charge, and along with integration of established first-team players, this should be more than enough to turn our season around.
 
"First-team players selected for the reserves on Saturday needed to play 90 minutes rather than being kept sitting on the first-team bench for weeks on end and losing their match sharpness. These players are also playing for selection, and I’ve been updated by Bill Friend on whose performances were of first-team calibre.
 
"I am looking for yet further improvements in our next match away to Salisbury and trust the players selected now know they must perform or risk losing their places within the squad, as will be evident for this forthcoming fixture due to concerns I had after the Worthing game."

Taken from www.doverathletic.com