DOVER Athletic have received a huge boost with the news that Craig Wilkins is close to making a comeback.

Wilkins, along with fellow striker Matt Carruthers, is set to return when Dover take on Braintree at home on Saturday week.

Wilkins, last season’s top scorer, missed Whites’ pre-season matches because of a back problem but is set to return to action earlier than had been expected.

Nicky Humphrey should feature even sooner, while fellow centre back Dean Readings is rapidly regaining match fitness.

Both central defenders successfully came through the reserves' friendly win at Folkestone on Saturday.

First team coach Richard Langley, meanwhile, sat out the trip to Billericay on Tuesday evening, but still picked the side.

Club captain Carruthers was in charge from the bench as Whites suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of a side who are expected to be one of the title contenders.

Club chairman Mick Kemp said: “We didn’t play badly but I think it was a fair result. Billericay have got some experienced players, like Bradley Allen, and we were undone by two set-piece moves.

“I think Matt enjoyed being in charge of the team, although he was obviously disappointed at the end. Richard (Langley) will be back in charge on Saturday.”

Tuesday’s defeat was made slightly easier to bear for Whites by their encouraging 3-1 opening day success over Slough Town.

Mr Kemp added: “That was a pleasing start. When we went 3-0 up we were showboating a bit instead of keeping it nice and tight, but we did very well.”

Mr Kemp was fairly pleased with the gate of 623 on Saturday, which was the highest in the Ryman League programme. Next best was Salisbury’s 530 against Folkestone Invicta.

“The Dover Regatta was on, and it was a nice sunny day; beach weather. And a lot of people are on holiday at the moment. Hopefully, that result will persuade a few more people to come along to our next home game to see what we are about.”