Dover boss Chris Kinnear has said that his side aren’t worried about the expectations of being top of the National League this season.
Following their goalless draw at Gateshead over the weekend the Whites have gone one point clear at the top of the non-league system after only previously leading Macclesfield on goal difference.
So is Kinnear feeling the pressure?
“Not at all. You hope to inspire the lads. A lot of these lads have not been top of a league ever. They’re a very young side.
“Gateshead are a lot more experienced than us. We have young lads apart from a couple that have never been in this situation. The more time they spend in this situation they’ll enjoy it, and they should enjoy it.”
Despite his focus on youth, some experience is in the Dover squad in the form of Louis Fazakerley and the full back who doubles has a large role to play both on and off the pitch.
“Louis’ our fitness coach and he’s also a player. Every time he’s played he’s done great. But that’s part and parcel of it.
“There’s only him and [Ryan] Bird who are over 25 I think. Mind you, Louis is probably twice as old as a lot of them!
“If there’s one thing we lack it’s a little bit of experience but the boys are gaining experience and learning quickly. That’s all you can ask of them.”
Following their FA Cup exit to Bromley in the fourth qualifying round, Dover are without a match on Saturday, but return to action on November 11th when they welcome Eastleigh to Crabble.