Dover v Billericay

DOVER Athletic face a tough test on Saturday at home against full-time outfit Billericay who are managed by former Spurs player Justin Edinburgh.

They are the form team of the division after four consecutive victories and Whites boss Steve Browne is asking the supporters to get behind the side.

He said: “The fans have been brilliant in their support and now it is time for us to pick up a win as we need to start winning our home games if we are to climb up this division.

“There is a long way to go and I am convinced we can get out of the relegation zone once we start performing to our abilities, and that needs to start on Saturday.”

Browne is not blaming the club’s financial problems for their continued poor form, which has left the Whites 11 points inside the relegation zone and odds on favourites for their third relegation in four years.

The influx of players through the door since Browne’s appointment in October looks set to continue with former Stevenage and Luton defender Jude Stirling ready to join up if he proves his fitness ahead of Saturday’s match.

The 22-year-old long throw specialist will be familiar to supporters after appearing in a friendly against Deal in 2002 during the ill-fated Neville Southall regime, but opted to join Stevenage and has since plied his trade with St Albans (loan), Boreham Wood and Hornchurch.

He will hope to add some much needed stability to the defence which has become a major worry for Browne, with 11 goals conceded in the last four games.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S DOVER MERCURY