Goalkeeper Lee Worgan admits he was elated after playing an instrumental role in Dover's 3-0 win over Braintree on Saturday.

The 35-year-old was handed his National League debut for Whites in place of no.1 Mitch Walker, who saw his run of 91 consecutive starts for the club come to an end.

Two standout second half contributions saw Worgan produce a spectacular save to keep out Cameron James' free-kick, before getting down well to his left to deny Korrey Henry from the spot.

His penalty success was rewarded three minutes later when Jai Reason scored Dover's second goal of the afternoon to soften early nerves after the break at Crabble.

"It's fantastic, I'm elated but I'm more pleased that we've got the win," said Worgan.

"The free-kick save, I watched a lot of what they do and I had an inkling of where they might go, I think I tipped it onto the bar and was then just hoping it would be cleared."

"I enjoyed every minute of it, I enjoy playing games just as much as the coaching side of it."

Three points and a starring role capped off a memorable week for Worgan after his wife had given birth to daughter Grace.

Despite having made just two appearances this season prior to Saturday, the former Maidstone shot-stopper was evidently ready for his opportunity.

He added: "I always prepare as if I'm playing because me and Mitch have conversations during the week about opposition strengths, so in terms of the mental side I was fully prepared."

"I was more than comfortable to come in, it was a difficult situation but fortunately it just went for me on the day."

Worgan was also quick to reaffirm Walker's unchanged status at the club and the value of him taking a momentary step away from the action.

"Mitch is the no.1, he's the no.1 goalkeeper at this club, but in my eyes he just needed to come of the team just to reset himself and get clear of any niggles he's got."

It was Dover's ability to prevail in a contest short on quality that Worgan believes is testament to the added grit and unity Andy Hessenthaler and his coaching staff have installed since arriving at the club.

To come out on top without the team playing its best is a trait Whites could certainly benefit from over the coming weeks.

Worgan said: "The team spirit is there, obviously when the new management team came in the team probably looked out of sight, but they brought a new culture into the club and a togetherness. Was the performance great? No, but we've still managed to win 3-0."

"Sometimes when you're in a relegation battle you are not always going to play well, players are going to have off days and it's psychologically difficult to chalk off wins, but enough players played well to get us over the line. That will lift everyone."

Manager Hessenthaler alluded to a 50 point target in Dover's fight for survival after the game, although Worgan insists the club will continue to approach the situation one week at a time.

"You have to go game by game at this stage of the season, we've got an amount of points we think we need. Winning 3-0 at home gives everybody a lift, it gives you real confidence going into next week."

Worgan will have good reason to believe he has played his way into contention to retain his starting spot when Dover continue their campaign away to Hartlepool on Saturday.

His side enter that fixture four points ahead of Havant & Waterlooville, who still sit in the final relegation spot.