Nicky Forster wants his Dover players to show character and bounce back from their FA Cup exit by continuing to move up the league table.

Whites missed out on a second successive appearance in the first round proper, with Bath City instead booking a trip to League 2 side Dagenham & Redbridge next week.

However, Athletic manager Forster (pictured) wants his side to channel the disappointment into extending their five-match unbeaten run in Blue Square Bet South and secure their place back in the promotion chase.

He said: "I was disappointed with Saturday because I know we can play better. There was not a lot between the teams – both were pretty lacklustre.

"Neither side had a cutting edge. I’m not making excuses but we looked a bit heavy-legged after playing so much. We were missing a spark."

He added: "It was our first defeat in six and our form has still been impressive – you have to put the defeat into context.

"I always try to look at the positives and we played against a team from Conference Premier, which is where we want to go and they were not a different league to us. That gives us heart and confidence."

like to have and one which is capable of being above where we are now."