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Dover Athletic manager Chris Kinnear says players are doing all they can to secure Skrill South play-off place amid hectic schedule

Dover Athletic manager Chris Kinnear said his players are doing everything they can to push for a Skrill South play-off spot, despite the games arriving thick and fast.

Chris Kinnear
Chris Kinnear

Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat at leaders Eastleigh, courtesy of a Lee Peacock goal 12 minutes from time, left Dover sixth, a place and a point outside the play-off places, having played at least a game more than their rivals.

It was Whites' third game in six days and Kinnear said: “They are not getting much rest but there are no complaints – they are fully aware of what they have to do if they want to feature in the play-offs.

“This is the business end of the season where every point is vital and you can’t afford to let the pressure get to you.

“You have to focus regardless of what’s going on around you and you have to keep your wits about you

“They (his players) are keeping their nerve and doing it well. That’s what you need to do at this stage of the season.”

Kinnear’s side had been beaten only once in their last 13 games before Tuesday’s game - which saw them lose midfielder Barry Cogan to a controversial red-card after half-an-hour - and another tough 90 minutes is on the agenda on Saturday.

Whites, who won 2-0 at Tonbridge Angels last Thursday and backed that up by with a 1-0 win against Staines at Crabble on Saturday, head to another side still holding their own play-off hopes, Concord.

Kinnear is under no illusion about the threat the Canvey Island-based side – who beat Dover 1-0 at Crabble in August – pose.

He said: “The side have been together for a long time – there’s a lot of spirit and stability there.

“They are only four points behind us so they will be as desperate as us to get a result.

“We’d certainly like to get something there but we are all well aware how tough it’s going to be.”

Dover are home to struggling Whitehawk on Monday (3pm).

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