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| Manager's Notes |
| 11th December 2008 10:47 |
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| David Howell |
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Victory midweek against Enfield Town FC came at a very high price.
On a cold night at Earlsmead we knew it was going to be tough for my team especially after conceding a goal in the opening minutes to the Ryman Div One North team.
We were all very pleased to have Ken Charlery return from his Father’s funeral in the Caribbean.
It was important that we matched Enfield with strong resilience, discipline and the correct work ethic before our pace and natural ability kicked in...
However despite our very slow start and some refereeing decisions that went against us including a penalty we finished the match very strongly.
We suffered numerous injuries but showed plenty of character and concentration to run out deserved winners 6-2 after extra time.
I was able to give Gary Ross another start in front of Andray Baptiste as both keepers have been performing very well recently but I decided to leave out Dewayne Clarke (Groin) and club captain Wayne Walters (ankle). These two players are currently very important to my team. Dewayne Clarke has been leading the front line and Wayne has been our most consistent defender for years...
All the players desperately wanted to play and to keep our positive momentum going. My reservations were confirmed when Danny Leech limped off with a thigh strain after 20 minutes.
Danny Murphy despite playing the full 90 minutes and 30 minutes extra time is troubled by a groin strain.
Bobby Highton is now struggling with bruised ribs, while Kwasi Frempong (Hamstring) and hat trick hero Robin Shroot (thigh) will all join Sports Therapist Sam Mattheweson in the treatment room.
Jamie Lawrence was stretchered off and taken to hospital after suffering a nasty wide and very deep cut below his knee and could be out of action until the New Year.
For the last few weeks our exciting and promising player Robin Shroot continues to attract attention from football league clubs, football agents and unfortunately some harsh treatment from opposition defenders.
As a Manager all I ask is for a little protection for my players from the officials.
I don’t want Robin or any of my players injured through dangerous and or reckless tackles by the opposition.
Robin showed considerable discipline. He did not retaliate but would appreciate protection from the match officials. He also showed he has mental toughness by responding to the provocation in the correct manner...
A HAT TRICK...!!!
My team are obviously very buoyant at the moment but now we will have to dig even deeper on Saturday as we travel to Heybridge Swifts. We know what it feels like to be bottom of the league and this will be our toughest and biggest test to date...
Dover showed their professionalism and quality by responding to our 3-0 victory at the weekend by beating Harlow 2-0 mid week in their next league match and stretched their lead at the top of the table to 10 points.
David Howell |
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