Andy Hessenthaler is not launching the white flag on Dover’s season’s just yet as he reflects on a miserable Christmas and a mounting injury list at Crabble.

Defeats against Lewes and Chelmsford have dropped the Whites to fifth spot in Blue Square South, their lowest position for weeks ahead of the New Year’s Day return against the Sussex strugglers on Friday.

But Hessenthaler said: "Teams might just take their eye of us and think we are struggling but no way are we out of it.

"I’m looking to bring in a couple of players to freshen things up but the injury situation is the worst I have ever known."

Shaun Welford and Sammy Moore are rated 50-50 to start against Lewes, and goalkeeper John Whitehouse (back) has a chance, while defender Matt Fish is back from suspension. Jon Wallis (calf) and Danny Walder (hamstring) are both ruled out.

Hessenthaler added: "The two defeats certainly spoilt my and everybody else’s Christmas. The defeat at Lewes was absolutely devastating.

"Lack of communication cost us the lead and I knew we needed another goal then. In the end, we fell apart and there were no excuses."

Hessenthaler confirmed that Jerahl Hughes’ future was under discussion, after the player texted him at 1.30pm before the Chelmsford game saying he couldn’t make the game.