Dover slipped back to fifth in the National League after their defeat to Aldershot Town today.

Chris Kinnear’s side have only won once in their last 10 matches and are now 10 points behind league leaders Macclesfield Town.

Mistakes cost Dover any chance of getting points against second place Aldershot as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Crabble.

Here are five talking points from their match today, let us know what you think in the comments.

1.) Teams are coming to Crabble to defend

In their last two home matches, the Whites have struggled to break down teams that sit back and play just one up front.

FC Halifax Town defended very deeply and didn’t really look to go forward. Aldershot had a similar tactic and tried to hit Dover on the break.

Some rethinking is needed on how to break sides down that are looking to come away with a point.

2.) They need to stop the “silly goals”

After the game Chris Kinnear admitted his side had conceded “silly goals” in recent games. Twice today Aldershot were gifted goals thanks to uncharacteristic errors from goalkeepers Mitch Walker.

The Whites still have the best defensive record in the National League but they have conceded six in the last four games.

3.) Mitch Walker will need to put errors behind him

As previously mentioned, the mistakes by Walker were uncharacteristic and he’s been part of the best defence in the league.

His confidence was visibly shaken after the errors and Kinnear said after the game he needs to put those behind him and move on.

4.) They need to add to their squad

Dover have one of the smallest squads in the division and 10 players have started 23 or more of their 29 National League games.

Chris Kinnear said his young side was perhaps a bit tired after the defeat against Aldershot today.

We shouldn’t forget what Kinnear has done to rebuild this squad from last season with only a couple of players left but the strength in depth could be the difference between promotion and not.

5.) Their next six league games could make or break their season

It’s a cliche to say “their next games are important” because every game is important. However, if Dover struggle to start picking up wins they could find themselves chasing the play-offs.

The three teams below them; Dagenham & Redbridge, Tranmere Rovers and Boreham Wood, are just a point off Chris Kinnear’s side and have a game in hand.

In their next six games they face three fellow promotion chasers; Boreham Wood (January 20), Sutton United (February 10), and Dagenham & Redbridge (February 20).

They also come up against three of the bottom four sides; Guiseley (January 27), Chester FC (February 3), and Solihull Moors (February 17).

A good run of results could see them within touching distance of Macclesfield at the top and a poor run could put them playing catch up on the play-off sides.