Assistant manager Steve Brown says Dover want to take advantage of other teams being out of action this weekend by closing the gap at the top of Blue Square Bet South with victory over leaders Salisbury.

Whites were the ones without a league game last Saturday, with the scheduled trip to Truro City postponed on the Thursday night due to the Cornish side’s financial problems.

Athletic dropped a place to eighth while out of action but Brown (pictured) said he hopes they can take advantage of their rivals being in FA Cup action this weekend by moving back into the play-off places.

Athletic have not played since the 2-1 Cup defeat to Bromley on October 6 and Brown said: "The players are chomping at the bit to get going again.

"The players were disappointed after that game but they didn’t need picking up. Our league form has been good so we have lots to be positive about.

"We have a game coming up against the team that are top of the league. They don’t need getting up for it, they are raring to go."

Striker Terry Dixon is continuing his rehabilitation following hernia surgery but Brown said: "We’re holding him back. He’s recovering well and is back training quicker than anyone could have expected but we don’t want to rush him."

Keeper Mitch Walker has an ankle knock which kept him out of training on Tuesday. It will be assessed at training on Thursday but otherwise Dover have a fully-fit squad for Saturday’s home game.