by Tony Hudd

Dover player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has confessed to being surprised by the team’s early surge to the top of Blue Square League South.

Following last season’s promotion from the Ryman Premier, Dover are setting the pace after seven games, having registered back-to-back Bank Holiday wins at Eastleigh on Saturday and in Monday’s Kent derby at home to Welling.

Hessenthaler, who warned during pre-season that the club would be making an "almighty jump," said he was surprised and delighted by the unbeaten start.

"I will admit I’m surprised," he said. "In the last two seasons we started well but I wasn’t surprised because of the level we were playing at.

"Now we’ve made a far bigger jump and to be unbeaten after the first seven games is no mean feat.

"I knew the players bought in would have no problems. What concerned me was how the players we retained from last season would respond.

"But they’ve maintained last season’s winning momentum. What I’ll be looking for is the reaction when we suffer a setback because in the past it’s been excellent."

On Saturday, Dover face their sternest test to date with a trip to Havant and Waterlooville, who are fifth in the table.