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Dover Athletic manager Andy Hessenthaler reflects on home National League win over AFC Fylde

Andy Hessenthaler described Dover's 2-1 home win over Fylde on Saturday as one of the best he's ever been involved with.

Whites were a goal down and a man down with just seven minutes remaining before in-form striker Inih Effiong turned the game on its head.

The former Ross County man followed up his 83rd minute equaliser by calmly hitting an injury-time winner to complete a comeback which looked highly improbable after the dismissal of winger Anthony Jeffrey midway through the second half as Whites trailed to Danny Rowe's first-half strike.

Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler Picture: Alan Langley
Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler Picture: Alan Langley

Boss Hessenthaler admitted he went through the full range of emotions during the game but, in the end, his over-riding feeling was one of huge pride.

The victory was Dover's third in a row at home, and extended their unbeaten run in the National League to four, lifting them to 21st in the table.

Hessenthaler explained: "I went through it all today, frustration, excitement, and nervousness I've got to say especially near the end when we were winning 2-1.

"When it was 1-1 it was nervous really because you're thinking we've worked so hard to get back into the game with 10 men we don't want to lose it now but to go on and win it was something special.

"I'm a proud manager tonight. I've been involved in a lot of games in my career, emotional games, and that's up there as one of the best ones, either as player or manager.

Dover's Inih Effiong takes on Fylde's Ryan Croasdale Picture: Wayne McCabe
Dover's Inih Effiong takes on Fylde's Ryan Croasdale Picture: Wayne McCabe

"It brought a lump to my throat because of the effort the players have put in for me and my staff.

"We didn't get off to the greatest start so for us to turn it around with 10 men, and against a side who are a good side, it's all credit to the players."

Whites are likely to appeal Jeffrey's red card which came in the 64th minute after he and team-mate Josh Passley both went in for a challenge on Fylde's Danny Philliskirk.

Passley said afterwards that he believed he had won the ball before Jeffrey collided with Philliskirk and Hessenthaler was of the same opinion.

He revealed that Jeffrey – only recently back from a six-game ban – was in tears after the decision.

Dover's Anthony Jeffrey looks to get away from the Fylde defence Picture: Wayne McCabe
Dover's Anthony Jeffrey looks to get away from the Fylde defence Picture: Wayne McCabe

Hessenthaler added: "The sending off was a sucker punch. I think Anthony and Josh were both there and I think it was Josh who made the challenge so we feel as if it's harsh but we'll have to have a look at the video.

"Anthony was in tears after the game because he's only just come back from a ban. I'm gutted for him but we'll have a look at the situation and if we need to appeal we'll appeal."

Hessenthaler confirmed after Saturday's game that Dover have signed experienced centre-half Scott Doe from Billericay. The 30-year-old made his name with Dagenham & Redbridge for whom he played more than 300 times.

Hessenthaler explained: "Scott's done, we felt we needed another right sided centre-half, we've put our captain (Mitch Brundle) in at right side centre-half over the last few weeks. He's been immense to be fair but we just felt we needed another one.

"He came to light really Scott because I think they may have a few problems at Billericay and a few players are going.

"He's 30-years old, he knows this level and above but he's going to have to bide his time. He's here today signing and he'll see he's got a job on his hands getting in the team."

Hessenthaler expects to make at least one more signing this week, and is trying to tee up a deal to bring a young midfielder in on loan, from a League 1 club.

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