Dover midfielder Michael Woods knows consistency is key to their play-off challenge.

Whites are only a point outside the play-off places in the National League and with trips to Eastleigh on Saturday and Barrow on Tuesday, Woods knows it’s all about stringing a series of results together in the final few months of the season.

“The performances have been good recently,” said Woods. “It’s just been about finding that consistency and, hopefully, results will come because we have some good players.

“We put in a decent performance against Halifax, it was just a lack of concentration in both boxes (which cost us).

“I’ve said it all season that, when we are at it, we are a match for any team. That’s got to instil belief.

“It’s been a bit of a strange season. The likes of the Bromleys and the Solihulls, the well-fancied teams who have come here, I feel like we have really dominated.

“It has perhaps been the sides that have come here when we have been expected to win where we haven’t performed.

“The home form has been well-documented but, in the last few weeks especially, we have really picked up.

“That was the gaffer’s message after the (Barrow) game ‘Why not believe?’ If we don’t, then no-one else will.

“I think it’s growing every week. There is huge competition for places but why not? Let’s have a go at it.”

Woods believes the recent signing of Dominic Poleon on loan from Newport has given the squad a lift.

“I think that competition for places is always healthy,” added Woods.

“Dom has come in with his pedigree – he has played numerous times in the Championship – and it gives everyone a lift.

“If you look at the bench and look to the lads in the stands, there’s real competition for places. If you are not at it, you are not in the team, it’s as simple as that and that’s healthy.

“I think it’s an exciting time for the club. Obviously, the gaffer has got his contacts and the chairman (Jim Parmenter) has backed him which is nice.

“It was a huge lift seeing him (Poleon) walk through the door. I certainly know what he is about, having played for Leeds and whatnot.

“He is there, knocking on the door and it keeps everyone on their toes.”

• Hess discusses Mersin's future
• Non-League latest

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent