Dover v Hornchurch

Dover's impeccable home record in the Ryman League Premier Division could come under severe pressure in their next two games.

Andy Hessenthaler’s side have won all 11 of their league matches at Crabble, but injuries and suspensions threaten to deplete his squad for the Essex home double header with AFC Hornchurch on Saturday and Billericay on Tuesday.

Midfielder Jon Wallis (calf) and striker Frannie Collin (knee) are both doubtful after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Margate.

Hessenthaler also felt his calf again as a late substitute at Hartsdown and is out of the next two games, while his other concern is striker Shaun Welford who was sent off at Margate, though Dover have decided to appeal his red card.

Hessenthaler said: “It’s always a risk appealing because if you lose they can add another game to the ban.”

Monday’s postponement of Whites’ Isthmian League Cup tie at Aveley means defender Dean Hill will be suspended for the Billericay game.

If Welford receives a three-match ban, starting against Ashford (Middx) on January 17, and Wallis and Collin's injuries prove semi-serious, Hessenthaler’s squad will be down to the bare bones.

He added: “The biggest blow will be if we lose Welford and Collin up front, so I have already made tentative enquiries about bringing in another striker on loan.

“We might also need another midfielder, although Alan Pouton should be okay for this weekend.”

Hornchurch are one of only three sides to have beaten Whites in the league this season.