DOVER Athletic manager Clive Walker has the unenviable task of trying to lift his players' spirits for Saturday's home game with Hednesford after what he described as the team's "worst nightmare".

Walker was referring to Whites' painful exit from the FA Cup on Saturday when, winning 3-0 early in the second half at Canvey Island, they conceded four goals in the last 33 minutes to crash out 4-3.

It was the sort of experience guaranteed to seriously dent the confidence of any side, with Walker admitting: "It was just unbelievable, but to be honest we defended too deep in the last 20 minutes. They are a good side, but we encouraged them to come on to us."

How a side who were so tight defensively last season can throw away a three-goal lead is enough to drive any manager to drink, but Walker insists the rumours circulating around the Hoverspeed Stadium regarding dressing room unrest are "a load of cobblers".

He said: "I don't know where all this stuff comes from but as far as I can see the team spirit isn't a problem. I also still feel the team are good enough, but the problem is that we are lacking the confidence which comes from putting a good run together."

Starting that run against Hednesford will be no easy matter. The Pitmen have only lost three times in 12 league games this season and Whites will be without the suspended Andy Arnott.

But Jamie Day is available again after suspension and Walker is hoping that Mark Patterson will be fit to return after a recurrence of his viral problem.

Whites are at home again on Tuesday night against Chelmsford, and poor results in those two matches are bound to raise fresh questions about Walker's own future, but the Whites boss insisted: "At the end of the day, it's down to the board, it's their decision."