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Dover Athletic striker James Alabi says there's more to come after goal against Eastleigh

James Alabi produced his best performance in a Dover shirt against Eastleigh on Saturday but the loan signing still feels he has plenty more to give.

Alabi’s close-range header in the 2-0 win at Crabble was his first goal since signing from Tranmere and came as a belated birthday present for the striker who turned 23 last Wednesday.

The former Chester man has been playing out wide rather than in his preferred central position but he hopes Saturday’s goal will be the first of many for Whites.

James Alabi Picture: Tony Flashman
James Alabi Picture: Tony Flashman

He said: “It’s always a great feeling to get off the mark. It’s been a frustrating start to the season for me on a personal note but it was a good day for me (against Eastleigh).

“I feel like I could have got at least two but that’s football. I just want to carry on making sure I’m in the same position to get chances so that I can add to the goals.

“I know now what I can do and I’m confident in myself to go on a run. The best thing is that I feel like I’ve still got a bit more to come.

“I think as long as I carry on playing, training well and working hard, I’ve still got that extra 10, 15% to go.

“I just want to make sure I’m playing every week, keeping myself fit and then I’ll reach another level which the fans will see.”

Dover had wanted to sign Alabi in the summer. He chose Tranmere instead but the London-born striker said he had no hesitation moving to Crabble when boss Chris Kinnear came calling again last month.

He said: “I’ve known Chris for quite a while now. We had a meeting in the summer (but) I chose to go to Tranmere.

“It hasn’t worked out (there) but everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to play under him now.

“The move happened quickly but it was an easy decision for me to come back with Chris because he showed that faith in me during the summer.

“He knows how I play and I’m just grateful to him for showing that faith, even though I went to another club.

“I’m here until January initially and hopefully I can contribute more and we can carry on pushing on.”

The Eastleigh win kept Whites top of the National League – a point clear of Macclesfield – and they face two away games next week, travelling to Leyton Orient on Saturday before a visit to Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday.

Alabi added: “We know we’re a target now but we’re not scared of anyone in this league. We know that as long as we’re on our game, we can beat anyone. If we’re doing the right things the rest will come.”

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