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Andy Hessenthaler is refusing to look beyond Dover's next game as their search for a sorely-needed first win of the season continues at Southend.
The Whites manager believes the pressure is on the Essex club ahead of tonight’s National League match at Roots Hall.
But Dover have only collected three points from 12 fixtures and are yet to earn a victory in any competition this campaign.
They lost 5-2 to Stockport at Crabble on Saturday in front of a disappointing crowd of 635.
When asked what the aim for the club is throughout the rest of 2021/22, Hessenthaler replied: “Listen, every game is, obviously, a different challenge for us.
“But our aim is to win a game, try and get some confidence back, and get some belief. One win might just give us that.
“I don’t think we are looking any further than our next game, really.
“I’ve had conversations with the chairman, Jim Parmenter, and he will be disappointed (with the result as they lost to Stockport), and with the crowd as well. But fair play to the ones that were here. My hat goes off to them."
Southend have had a difficult time of it themselves, though.
They are in the relegation zone in 21st and recently appointed Kevin Maher as their new first-team head coach after the Shrimpers sacked manager Phil Brown. They lost 1-0 at Boreham Wood at the weekend.
Hessenthaler said: “The pressure is on Southend. They’re a club that are just coming out of League 2.
“We should go there with nothing to lose to try and get this win that we are really craving for.”
Midfielder TJ Bramble will be available after serving a one-match ban, while on-loan Gillingham midfielder Henry Woods (abductor) may also be back from injury.
But there are fitness concerns over player-coach Reda Johnson (groin), midfielder Yannis Drais (who came off against Stockport) and defender Jake Goodman (ankle). Striker Ricky Miller, who has been suffering with Covid, is also a doubt.
Hessenthaler said: “I doubt Ricky will be available against Southend.
“He will probably more likely be back for the next league game after that which is against Torquay (on November 13) because we don’t have a game this Saturday.”
On Bramble’s return, the Dover boss added: “He has been burnt out a little bit. He’s only a young lad.
“It might have done him good (missing a match) but he is available for Southend which is good news.”
