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Dover Athletic's former Maidstone defender Manny Parry looks ahead to the holiday programme

Manny Parry admits momentum is key as Dover prepare for a challenging schedule of four National League matches in 10 days.

Fourth-placed Whites travel to third-placed Wrexham on Saturday before hosting Maidstone United in the first of two Kent derbies on Boxing Day (3pm).

The return fixture is at the Gallagher Stadium on New Year’s Day and in between, on Saturday, December 30, Whites return to Crabble to play Halifax.

Manny Parry Picture: Tony Flashman
Manny Parry Picture: Tony Flashman

Parry admits the holiday period is a crucial one for his side’s promotion hopes but he says the squad are up for the challenge.

The former Maidstone and Braintree centre-half said: “It’s all about keeping momentum especially with all the games we’ve got coming up. Momentum is key in football.

“The games come thick and fast especially at this time of the year but we’re confident.
“We know Wrexham will be a tough game, they’re an experienced team, they’ve got good players at this level and they’ll be well organised.

“They’ve got a good defence like us but if we’re at the top of our game, we can get something down there.”

Parry, 23, has been an ever present at Crabble since signing in the summer and has settled in superbly as a member of the meanest defence in the National League.

Whites have conceded just 17 goals in 24 matches, one less than Saturday’s opponents Wrexham and Tranmere, and Parry – who plays in back three alongside Connor Essam and Giancarlo Gallifuoco – says the trick is keeping things simple.

He also says the team spirit at Crabble is second to none.

He said: “My time here has been brilliant, everybody at the club has welcomed me,
“I’m well looked after and I appreciate everything, I just try to give my all on the pitch.
“The management try to keep things black and white, keep it simple.

“You know your job, it’s just down to you to come on a Saturday, prepare right and do what you have to do. You know your role, they keep things consistent.

“I just take each game as it comes, try to prepare well and take my football seriously, training hard and try to emulate that on a matchday.

“Last year at Braintree gave me a taste of playing at this level.
“I learned a lot and this season with the highs and the lows, you’ve just got to try and learn from them, use them to benefit you and I think I have.”

Of the camaraderie among the squad he added: “For a new squad we’re very close, everyone here is good friends on and off the pitch, you would think we’ve been together for years.

“There’s a real good team spirit so when we’re out there everyone just wants to work hard for each other.

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