Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler says the disappointment of falling out of the play-off places should fire his side back into the promotion shake-up.

On a weekend of unusual results in Blue Square South Dover were held by Maidenhead in front of a disappointing crowd of less than 900.

The result saw the Whites slip to seventh in the table – as low as they’ve been all season – though only one point separates five teams from third to seventh, with only five goals difference between the sides to boot.

Hessenthaler (pictured) said: "There are 12 games to go and there will be a lot of twists yet. Saturday was very frustrating, especially given that we have been in decent form, but football is a funny game.

"We were a bit flat, the pitch was a bit flat, even the crowd were a bit flat.

"I think maybe we scored too early and then had to take the game to them and try and nail them, but we couldn’t do it. That was the most disappointing thing."

He added: "It might be that falling out of the play-offs will be the kick up the backside we need and be a source of inspiration.

"Motivation-wise it might help us – it might even mean the pressure is off us a bit."

Hessenthaler said Saturday’s trip to Bishop’s Stortford – who had lost six in a row before Tuesday’s 3-0 home win over Bromley – gave them a good chance to put things right.

He said: "You want to win your home games and draw your away games if you can, but if we go and win at Bishop’s Stortford then Saturday will be forgotten."

Adam Birchall (hamstring) should be okay for Saturday after coming off against Maidenhead while Matt Fish is rated 50/50 after a back problem.