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Inih Effiong vying for starting spot as Dover look to secure safety against Barrow

Inih Effiong will be hoping for another chance to impress after a bullish performance in Saturday’s goalless draw with Chesterfield.

The striker impressed up top on his first start since the 1-0 defeat to Maidenhead on February 21 to help his side move a point closer to safety.

He could now retain his spot away to Barrow this weekend as Dover continue to monitor the fitness of Jamie Allen, whose absence handed Effiong his opportunity at Crabble.

Andy Hessenthaler. Picture: Alan Langley
Andy Hessenthaler. Picture: Alan Langley

Read more: Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler praises Inih Effiong after 0-0 draw with Chesterfield

Manager Andy Hessenthaler said: “Of course he is in contention, we aren’t sure on how long Jamie is going to be out for but he’s done himself no harm whatsoever with his performance so credit to him.

“I thought Inih was excellent, his performance deserved a goal. It wasn’t easy for him, he was getting pulled, it’s hard against those big centre halves, but he was good.”

Dover enter the game nine points clear of Havant & Waterlooville knowing a win would all-but secure their place in the National League for next season.

Nevertheless, Whites are refusing to rest on their laurels ahead of their penultimate away game.

Hessenthaler added: “Fortunately for us Havant lost (2-1 to Harrogate), but it’s not over for them at all.

“There are four games to go, they need three wins and a point and us to lose our last four games, but we’re a bit closer (to safety).

“We’ve got to go to Barrow and try to win. That’s how we will go up there, we have to go and try to win. Let’s hope we can do that.”

Dover were not without chances against Chesterfield, lacking only a conviction in the final third.

Rediscovering their scoring prowess of previous weeks will become a key focus as they look to surpass 50 points.

Hessenthaler said: “The boys were good in terms of their effort, but we need that little bit of quality and belief to get the three points.”

Anthony Jeffrey and Ricky Modeste are fighting to work their way back into the first XI after recharging on the back of their time on international duty.

The pair were introduced as second-half substitutes on Saturday and Hessenthaler explained: “It was tough for them to come on and make an impact (against Chesterfield), they did a good job though and that’s the depth we’ve got so we’ll have to look at the team during the week.”

Read more: All the latest football news across Kent

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