THE phrase “tight at the top” is certainly appropriate as the Dr Martens League Premier Division title race approaches the critical Christmas holiday period.

Dover are away to Stafford Rangers on Saturday, and both teams are in the group of seven clubs who are separated by just five points at the top of the table.

No team has been able to pull clear of the pack, with fifth-placed Dover only three points behind leaders Worcester City and with a game in hand.

Whites manager Clive Walker said: “It’s certainly a very competitive league this year, and that’s good news because it makes it more interesting and produces better crowds.”

Walker watched two other members of the chasing group, Crawley and Chippenham, draw 1-1 on Tuesday night and said: “It was another tight game, but I thought Chippenham deserved to win it.”

The Dover boss was impressed with Stafford when they won 2-0 at Crabble in September, saying: “Along with Tamworth they are the best side we have had down at our place this season, and we know it’s going to be a hard game on Saturday.”