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Dover face vital Easter fixtures

NO FEAR: Richard Langley
NO FEAR: Richard Langley

THE battle for qualification for Conference South will take another important turn for Dover this Easter weekend when they face tough-looking opposition from both ends of the table.

On Saturday Whites face a daunting trip to league leaders Crawley in front of what is likely to be an expectant home crowd, and then on Monday former Dover hero David Leworthy will bring his Havant & Waterlooville side to the Hoverspeed Stadium.

After results went Dover's way on Saturday they currently lie in 13th place (the final qualification spot), but they have a number of sides just behind them and are likely to need at least nine points from their remaining five games if they are to avoid the play-offs for sides in 14th to 18th position.

Whites manager Richard Langley, however, feels that they will go to Crawley with no fear.

He said: "It is a tough game but one where we can get something. Strange as it may seem, I feel that this is an easier game than when we played Hednesford and won. Crawley will try to play football and that suits our game as it will allow us to play to our strengths.

"They will stick to a rigid 4-4-2 formation and we will need to be big and strong to stop them playing. It will be a big crowd but we will have to go there with the attitude of trying to spoil the party."

The two sides met a month ago in the Dr Martens Cup when only a goal in extra time saw Crawley emerge victorious, but Whites will again have to contend with the most dangerous striking partnership in the league in Charlie McDonald and Joff Vansittart.

The Easter Monday game gained more importance after Havant caused a major shock in defeating Nuneaton 5-1. Gavin Holligan, their new signing from Wycombe, hit two on his debut and they currently lie in 17th place - five points behind the Whites, but with two games in hand.

Langley added: "This is a game that we looked at thinking we can pick up three points. Havant seem to have turned the corner of late but they do leak goals and we need to make sure we are back to our best and turn in a consistent and professional performance."

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