Dover Athletic 0 Forest Green Rovers 3

DOVER chairman Mick Kemp probably best summed up Whites’ somewhat tame exit from the FA Trophy with his comment that the game had proved “one cup tie too far” for Whites.

Saturday’s fifth-round fixture with the Conference outfit was Dover’s 15th cup tie in all competitions this season. Compare that with last season, when Whites were involved in just three ties, and the extra workload that the Dover players have had to cope with this season becomes apparent.

Manager Clive Walker, looking for reasons for his side’s lack of spark on Saturday, pointed to the tiring effects of the extra time replay victory over Scarborough five days earlier.

“We have done well in the cups this year, but I think that extra time in the Scarborough game didn’t help us (today),” Walker said. “It took a couple of yards off the lads and sometimes that makes the difference, especially against a side who are on a good run, as Forest Green are.”

Colin Addison’s side passed the ball more effectively for most of the match and were worthy winners, even though two of their goals were down to a touch of good fortune.

Dover, for their part, never really moved into top gear after making a sluggish start, during which they gave the ball away too easily and took too long to clear their defensive lines.

FULL REPORT IN THIS WEEK'S DOVER MERCURY