By Andrew Gidley

Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler praised the performances of loan signings Daniel Leach and Michael Abnett after both made their debuts in the 0-0 draw at Bath City on Saturday.

Australian centre-back Leach has arrived from League 2 side Barnet, while youngster Abnett has joined from Crystal Palace.

Hessenthaler, pictured, said: "We have been tracking Daniel for a couple of months after seeing him play against Colchester.

"He was exceptional, very assured, comfortable on the ball and won a lot of headers. He did well considering he had only trained with us once.

"Jim Stannard told us about Michael, with the administrators wanting to move players out to reduce the size of the wage bill at Palace.

"He can play right-back or midfield and did well when he came on as substitute. With the pitches getting heavy, it’s good to get a few younger legs in the side."

Whites visit Braintree on Saturday and defender Danny Walder is expected to recover from a calf injury that forced him off at Bath, while striker Shaun Welford sat out training this week to rest a recurring ankle problem.

Hessenthaler further added to his squad on Tuesday when he signed forward Luis Cumbers on loan from Gillingham.