Andy Hessenthaler says Dover have turned the corner after the recent setback of five defeats in six and is looking for his side to build on their improved results.

Saturday’s FA Trophy win at Havant & Waterlooville made it five games unbeaten since the 3-1 defeat at Weston-super-Mare a month ago.

Whites’ 3-2 victory made it three wins and two draws since then and earned a trip to Blue Square North Fleetwood Town in the second round.

However, the win came amid an injury crisis for Athletic, who only had 11 fit players to start the game and had long-term injury victim Craig Cloke and Hessenthaler himself on the bench.

Lee Browning, Sam Gore and Jake Leberl were among the injured, while Tom Wynter has been recalled by Gillingham and Tom Davis has joined Croydon on loan.

Hessenthaler admitted he may have to bring in outside cover for central defence or use midfielder Nicky Southall as a makeshift centre-back alongside Olly Schulz for the visit of St Albans on Saturday.

Hessenthaler said: "We have turned the corner but we will not get carried
away. We have played three tough away games in a row and are unbeaten and we have won our last two at home. It would be nice to keep that run."

Jake Leberl and Dean Hill will be assessed before the game but they are the only injured players in the frame for a return. Matt Fish begins a three-match ban.