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Alfie Pavey insists there is more to his role at Dover than scoring goals.
The striker found the net in Saturday’s win over FC Halifax to take his record to three in four National League outings.
His form has rewarded the faith of boss Andy Hessenthaler following his decision to bring Pavey into the starting line-up at the beginning of the month.
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Pavey, who scored 26 goals for Dartford last season. moved to Dover in November from Havant - the club he left Princes Park for last summer.
“I always knew I could score goals at the level if given the chance," said Pavey.
“Last year I was given the chance to go out, play my own game and express myself and I did well.
“This year I’m starting to find my feet. I’ve just got into the team and the goals are flowing, but it’s not just all about the goals. It’s about how I can help the team in other ways – getting hold of the ball, laying it off and bringing other people into the game.”
Six players have got on the scoresheet in the team’s last six matches amid their effort to stay adrift of the relegation zone.
Pavey added: “We’ve always scored goals.
“Everyone’s chipping in with them, Jai Reason’s been in form, even Mitch Brundle and Kevin Lokko.”
The result at the weekend means Whites head into next Tuesday’s clash with Dagenham five points ahead of 21st-placed Havant. Despite the numerical advantage, Hessenthaler’s men remain well tuned to the division’s back-and-forth nature.
Pavey admitted: “I wouldn’t say it’s relaxed because we’re under a bit of pressure. As soon as you lose a game you’re back in it so it’s about finding that consistency and grinding it out.”
The gruelling fight at the bottom of the table has also called on the more experienced members of the dressing room to lead from the front.
“They’re massive, absolutely massive, added Pavey. “You’ve got Mitch Brundle, your captain who everyone looks up to straight away, then you’ve got Jai Reason, Stuart Lewis, Scott Doe, that’s the spine.
“They do all the graft and then we just put the ball in the net.”
The 23-year-old played down injury concerns after he hobbled off with a foot problem at the weekend.
He said: “I just buckled on it. I didn’t really want to do too much, so it was just best I came off and rested it.”
Pavey followed Saturday’s game by meeting up with the England C team having been called up for a second time.
He didn't, however, feature during Tuesday's clash with Wales at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium.
He said: “It’s always nice to get called up to represent your country. It’s an absolute honour.”
