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Dover Athletic manager Chris Kinnear insists Whites' place in play-off final is far from assured despite first-leg win

Dover manager Chris Kinnear
Dover manager Chris Kinnear

Dover Athletic are within touching distance of the Blue Square Bet South play-off final but manager Chris Kinnear insists their semi-final tie with Eastleigh is not over yet.

The Whites go into Saturday’s second leg at Crabble with a two-goal advantage after winning 3-1 at the Silverlake Stadium on Tuesday night.

Kinnear (pictured) is looking to guide Dover back into the top flight of non-league football for the first time since 2002 and he promised a professional approach in the return clash.

He said: “We’ll treat it as a separate entity. They’ll throw caution to the wind because they’ve got nothing to lose. They’re a decent side, there’s no doubt about that. They’re an experienced side and they’ll give it a go. It’s not all over.

“We didn’t go in screaming and shouting and getting carried away (at full-time on Tuesday). We’ve won the game, now let’s start preparing for Saturday.”

Dover are playing for the right to meet either Salisbury or Chelmsford in the play-off final on Sunday, May 12. Chelmsford won their semi-final first leg 1-0.

Dover will again be without Shane Huke, Barry Cogan (both injured), Steven Thomson and Lloyd Harrington (both suspended) in the second leg. Kick-off at Crabble is 3pm.

Do you think Dover can seal a spot in the play-off final? Have your say below.

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