Dover manager Martin Hayes says it’s a case of "so far, so good" in his first season at Crabble.

But Hayes believes Saturday’s 11th league game of the Blue Square Bet South campaign, at home to Chelmsford City, will provide the most accurate indicator yet of where fourth-placed Whites stand in terms of winning the title.

Chelmsford are one place and two points above Dover and Hayes said: "Chelmsford as genuine title contenders. I know a lot about them because they are the club closest to where I live.

"They are ambitious and have spent heavily over the past four or five
years and now have an experienced squad.

"They have set their stall out this season to go up by winning the title and thus avoiding the play-offs, where they have missed out before.

"How we perform against them will provide a good benchmark for us. With 10 matches gone, I’m happy with where we are but we know we can still do a bit better."

Hayes’ only injury problem remains winger Sam Long, who was again missing last Saturday because of the groin strain he picked up in the cup tie at Erith Town.