Bondz N’Gala says the Dover squad ‘fancy their chances’ of securing a Vanarama National League play-off spot.

N’Gala arrived at Crabble early in February but made his first start against his former club Eastleigh on Saturday, impressing as Whites kept their first clean sheet in 13 games. He also played in the 1-0 defeat at Woking on Tuesday night.

The 27-year-old came through the ranks at West Ham, where he played for Dover coach Mark Newson in the academy, before spells with Plymouth, Yeovil, Stevenage, Portsmouth and Barnet.

He only joined Eastleigh for a rumoured £60,000 club record in late November but left at the end of January, although he was prevented from playing for League 1 Gillingham early in February by FIFA rules regarding playing for three professional teams in the same season.

He was given approval to sign for Dover after talks with the FA and Football League and ripped up his Gills deal with the promise of an invite to pre-season training.

N’Gala said: “It’s been a strange situation but I have to give thanks to the Dover chairman, Mark Newson, Chris Kinnear and Jake Leberl. They’ve done their utmost to get me in.”

The centre-back was pleased to be back in action having not played since January 28, his ninth and final Eastleigh appearance, adding: “As a professional footballer, it’s part of your job to keep yourself ticking over, to be training hard ready to play hard.

“It was amazing to be out there. Clean sheets are always a defender’s aim and to get one on my debut, I’m happy.”

He said: “You can see from the changing rooms and the new stand, it’s a club that wants to move forward. I’m happy and proud to be part of this club.

“We’re excited for the rest of the season. The play-offs are the aim and we fancy our chances. I’d like to think I’m the final piece of the puzzle.

“We already had good players here but the gaffer has added to that. It’s a lovely formula.”