Dover boss Chris Kinnear says Saturday's late home win over Solihull Moors is another step in his new-look team's learning curve.

The struggling visitors set their stall out to frustrate Kinnear's high-flying side and were within nine minutes of securing a point when Ryan Bird headed in a Paul Lewis cross.

Kinnear admitted he had expected Solihull to play the way they did and praised his side for the patience they showed before a bumper Community Day crowd of 2,795.

The 1-0 win took Whites back to the top of the National League and Kinnear said: "We were prepared (for how Solihull were going to play).

"They did it to Dagenham (who scored an injury time equaliser in a 2-2 draw last weekend) so why wouldn't they do it to us?

"That's the way they set up and that's their prerogative. They've got five players on loan and you know it's not going to be easy.

"Not every game is going to be like watching Manchester City or Manchester United. To be fair you watch them and they're not always great games but you've just got to get points at this stage.

"There was a time early on when we came into the National League people would try to attack us, try to overrun us but we now get a little bit more respect for what we have achieved.

"Sides are going to try and stop us from winning games, like Guiseley (the week before) they got lots of people back and stopped us playing but that's part and parcel of football.

"You have to solve problems and they're learning a lot for a side of such youth really. There's only really Ryan Bird that's of any age and he led the way and scored."

The win was Dover's second in a row at home - both without conceding - and Kinnear said he was pleased so many people were there to see it.

He added: "It's nice today, with nearly 3,000 people here. I think they enjoyed it, it was a nice day and these (Community) days are. I think there are another three to go and we want people to be here, and enjoy themselves.

"There were a lot of kids here and that's what it's about, the future."

Bird's goal was his fifth of the season - three of which have come in 1-0 wins - and Kinnear says his value is appreciated by the team even if it's not always the case with some Whites fans.

He added: "He's taken a bit of stick from supporters on occasions, but then haven't we all?

"We have faith in him, he's a great lad and it's nice to have someone like him."

Whites are in action again on Tuesday when they travel to Sutton, one point and two places below them