Without any points or goals from their opening two Vanarama Conference games, Dover now face the long trip to Grimsby on Saturday to try and change that disappointing statistic.

And Dover boss Chris Kinnear knows what’s needed to do so following the 3-0 defeat at Braintree on Tuesday night.

He said: “The two teams we’ve played against so far (Halifax and Braintree) haven’t been better footballing sides than us – they are just bigger and stronger in both boxes when it comes to defending and scoring goals.

“Look at Tuesday’s defeat – their No.6 won the game for them (he scored twice following a set-piece) and he’s their centre-half.

“It (the ability of teams in both boxes) is the only difference between sides in this league.
“We have got to be braver and get our heads in where it hurts at both ends of the pitch – there is no doubt about that. We all know we must improve and we’ve already talked about it.”

And Kinnear knows his side will have no time to waste in doing so. Former Football League side Grimsby are sure to provide another stern test of a defence that was so sound last season.

He said: “Yes, it’s going to be hard – they (Grimsby) are a big club with a big ground and a big following.

“They are one of the favourites and they want to get back into it (the Football League), but you don’t get any easy games in this league.

“They (Grimsby ) know this league as do Halifax and Braintree while it’s all new for us.
“We’ve now played the sides who finished fifth (Halifax) and sixth (Braintree) last season so it’s been a tough introduction.”

As for the long trip north, Kinnear said that was no concern.

He said: “The higher standard you play, the further you travel. We accept that and there is no moaning from anyone about making a long trip like Saturday’s.”