by Alex Hoad

Dover Athletic hope several key players will return to fitness in time for the crunch clash with Bromley on Saturday – the first of two games in four days at Crabble.

Whites have lost five straight games in Blue Square Bet South ahead of the visit of the side who ousted them from the FA Cup 2-1 in October, with AFC Hornchurch travelling to the coast on Tuesday night.

However, assistant boss Steve Brown said: “People just see the five defeats but there is lots going on behind the scenes that people don’t see. That’s not an excuse but it’s an explanation.”

Billy Bricknell (pictured), Calum Willock, Daniel Webb, Daryl McMahon and Steve Thompson have all been suffering from chest infections, while right-back Shane Huke (broken foot) is sidelined and his replacement Chris Sessegnon (ankle) missed the past two games. Striker Ben May was subbed through illness at Dorchester on Tuesday.

Brown said: “The players have finished their courses of antibiotics and are feeling better. Hopefully, they’ll be in a condition to play on Saturday.”

Dean Rance serves the second game of a ban.

Brown added: “We’re the sort of side that if we can get a win, then things will turn around quickly.”

Do you think a return to fitness will help Dover end their losing run? Have your say below.