Mitch Brundle reckons the style of play he’s implementing at Dover should attract fans to Crabble.

Whites are at home for a second successive weekend this Saturday as they host promotion-chasing Chelmsford in National League South.

A crowd of 629 watched last weekend’s 2-1 home win over Eastbourne and boss Brundle hopes positive results can bring more supporters through the turnstiles.

He said: “The crowd on Saturday were fantastic. You could have 1,000 people in here, but if they’re not singing and dancing and getting off their seats to support a team which is exciting then there’s no point having them.

“We had 600-odd on Saturday. That can only go up - but it only goes up if you win games. I know that. The brand of football is exciting for people to watch so I urge more people to come.”

Their victory over Eastbourne was the first since Brundle took permanent charge.

There were plenty of good signs but the boss believes there’s still room for improvement as striker Josh Ajayi looks to build on his first goal for the club after defender Tyrone Sterling had levelled in the first half.

“We can get better as a team,” Brundle said. “With all the chances we’re creating, the reason why they’re not going in is because we’re not at a better level yet.

“We’re creating chances, most games are won in midfield, and you let the star boys shine and stand out - like Josh did.

“I’m delighted for him. He’s had a tough time in terms of playing time and that belief. But I’m giving him that belief - I believe in him. He’s a cracking player and he’s one I know that can step up and be unbelievable.”

Another young forward player with Dover is striker George Nikaj, who returned from a second loan at Ashford to start against Eastbourne.

“I thought he was excellent,” noted Brundle. “I said to him at half-time that you need to be more aerially dominant when you’re the No.9 in the team. He’s got to be more physical.

“This level is a step up so, for him to do it, his fitness levels need to go up. He’ll only get better. He’s had the chances with a couple of shots at goal and his work-rate was fantastic. I’ll never question anyone if they give me everything.

“After the game, the whistle blows and he has his hands on his knees, so you know he’s given everything. I can’t ask for much more.

“Eventually, I can ask for more in terms of quality and finishing but, first game back, I’ve given him that belief and that trust, starting him as a No.9 for Dover.

“That’s what he wanted so he’s delighted. I’ll continue to work with him and he can only get better. Once he gets a goal under my realm, I think he’ll step up in confidence and feel like he’s right for the level.”

Brundle insists Nikaj would have featured sooner under him, had a loan with the Nuts & Bolts not already been agreed before he took over.

He said: “Sometimes, it’s tough. When you go on loan, you don’t feel wanted. But that’s not the case with me. He had a loan in place - otherwise he’d have played a lot sooner than he has - but we honoured that loan and he wanted that loan, and it’s only done him good.

“He fits into the mould of what we want and we’re going to work with him so we can get another good centre-forward from our Academy.”

Wideman Luke Wanadio is now Whites’ top scorer this season. He and striker Alfie Pavey were both transfer-listed but, while Pavey has now joined league rivals Braintree, Wanadio was recalled at the weekend and claimed an assist for Sterling’s goal. It now looks like Wanadio’s immediate future is at Dover.

Brundle said: “He’s been fantastic. I’ll never cut my nose off to spite my face. We had to do that (transfer-list Wanadio and Pavey) to get players in.

“His style of play fits into what I’m trying to do as a manager and he’s bought right into it. He’s not thrown his toys out the pram, he’s not holding any grudges, and I personally get on really well with him.

“Maybe someone is looking over me and thanking me for not getting rid of him!”

Weekend visitors Chelmsford are enjoying a good campaign but were held to a goalless draw by Whites in November.

“They’re having a good season,” Brundle said of the Essex outfit, who have ex-Dover players Arjanit Krasniqi, Khale Da Costa and Reece Grant among their ranks.

“But we’re at the start of what we’re doing and we’ll take confidence from Saturday.”

George Wilkinson missed the Eastbourne win through injury while defender Will Moses remains sidelined.