A COUPLE of years ago a Wolves supporter rang a BBC 5 Live phone-in as his side was about to blow seemingly certain promotion.

"I've drunk all my chamomile tea and I've worn out all my whale songs," he sighed with Black Country black humour.

By 5pm on Saturday Dover fans will be able to relate to what he was saying. A nail-biting afternoon is in store as Dover take on Stafford Rangers needing a win to guarantee a place in the play-offs for Conference 2 (South).

A draw would be enough provided neither Chippenham nor Chelmsford win by three goals or more.

Whites have not faced such an occasion since 1995 when they needed to beat Kidderminster Harriers on the final day to ensure Conference survival.

In the event, backed by a superhuman vocal performance from the River End, a goal from a 17-year-old Matt Carruthers saw Dover to victory on an afternoon of high emotion.

Tuesday evening's games brought mixed results from Dover's point of view. Two sides below Whites were in action and Hednesford slipped 2-1 up at home to Welling, but Chelmsford won 3-1 at wobbling Merthyr.

Saturday's 0-0 draw at Merthyr Tydfil represented a solid enough return for an injury and suspension-ravaged Whites side. But it meant Dover could no longer make the automatic promotion places and their very best hope is to finish 15th and guarantee home games in the play-offs.

At the moment they could still technically finish anywhere between 14th and bottom - an incredible scenario for the final day and indicative of the mad scramble in this seminal non-league season.

It could all come down to goal difference and Whites' relatively healthy balance (minus nine at present) could just be what sees them through.

If Dover do finish in the bottom four, they will be playing in what is known as non-league Step Three next season, probably a new, reorganised Dr Martens Premier. They also will probably face having to start a couple of rounds earlier in the FA Cup and FA Trophy than they would in Conference 2, so it is clear how much is at stake.

Manager Richard Langley said: "A win would be great, but defeat might be catastrophic, depending on how other results go.

"It's an interesting game against Stafford. We did well up there. They could go into the game needing a win to finish second and it will be interesting to see how they attack.

He added: " We haven't played that badly at home. And the fans have been brilliant for the last two or three games.

“They have been very patient. They have got right behind us, and I know it has been as frustrating for them as it has been for us.”