TJ Bramble has thrived in adversity at Dover Athletic this season.

Bramble, a bundle of energy in midfield, feels he’s developed more amid Whites’ plight.

They’re still to win a National League game but Bramble, 20, has risen to the challenge of mixing it with the best non-league players in the country.

“I’m getting more out of this,” said the former Gillingham youth player.

“It’s all experience, all good for the development.

“I’m playing games and it just helps.

“Playing is the most important thing and being in this situation just helps with experience and development, so I’m grateful.”

Bramble has appeared in 17 of Dover’s 18 National League games this season, missing out once through suspension after picking up five bookings.

He’s up to seven yellows now, which comes with the territory for a player in his mould, possessing qualities that appeal to Whites manager Andy Hessenthaler.

“I love playing for him,” said Bramble. “I like his philosophy and what he’s about.

“He likes people to run hard, which we all do, and that’s my game, get around the pitch, win second balls and just keep battling.

“I’m grateful the gaffer puts his trust in me.”

Bramble had a spell on loan at Isthmian South East Sittingbourne while on Gillingham’s books.

That gave him a taste of non-league football but there’s one major difference when it comes to the National League.

“They’re both physical but the intensity is different at this level,” said Bramble.

“You have to work hard, you have to be switched on at all times and you have to be consistent.

“You don’t get away with things in this league that you might have done at Sittingbourne.”

Bramble was at the centre of the game’s controversial moment last weekend when Dover were denied a penalty against Wrexham.

It was goalless at the time and the Red Dragons went on to win 1-0 after captain Luke Young got away with a rash challenge.

“It was a penalty, 100 per cent,” said Bramble.

“He hasn’t touched the ball but these are the things that are going against us.

“We’ve had a couple this year that haven’t gone our way but we keep fighting and we keep going.

“Everyone knows what Wrexham are about, what’s happening down there.

“But we all gave 110 per cent and to take them to the 90th minute, big credit to all of us.

“We just need one or two things to go for us and we’ll get a win eventually.”

Dover visit fellow strugglers King's Lynn on Saturday.