CLIVE: V FOR VICTOR-Y

CLIVE: V FOR VICTOR-Y

Clive Walker saluted Victor Renner’s second-half double that secured Dover’s fourth win from five matches.

Renner’s last-gasp winner in the 2-1 win against Salisbury means Whites still have an outside chance of completing Mission Impossible.

But boss Walker has told his players they need to win NINE games out of the last 11 if they are stand any chance of avoiding a heartbreaking second successive relegation.

He said: “Victor’s goals were well taken and keeps our run going but we cannot even think about staying up at the moment. We can only concentrate on the next game and look to win it.

“I’ve told the lads they need to win another nine games. It’s an enormous ask for any team at any level. But while there’s hope, we’ll have a good go at doing it.

“Sadly, we’ve played more games than anyone else and that’s something I cannot understand. Why did games get brought forward earlier in the season, when we weren’t doing so well?

“When you are struggling, one thing you don’t want to do is arrange to bring games forward. But that’s done now and all we can do is try to deal with the situation as it is.

“Harrow Borough are next up and we’ve got to beat them. No question about that. We’ve got to win all our games, there’s barely any margin for error now.”

Striker Renner has impressed Walker and defender Jude Sterling has also looked good. Both players are an important part of Walker’s plans and have played vital roles in lifting team spirit.

Walker said: “They’re both good lads and great to have in the changing room. The boys are bubbly characters and that’s exactly what we need at this club.”

Sterling has been impressed by Walker since he returned to the club a few weeks ago and insists he has lifted everyone’s morale.

The ex-Luton and Stevenage stopper said: “Clive has made the players believe in themselves. He’s told us that our ability is not a problem, it’s just a question of having belief, chasing what appears a lost cause sometimes on the pitch and putting your head in where it might hurt.

“It was a good team performance on Saturday. In the past, there’s been a few good individual displays but recently the team have really stuck together.”

Walker is still hoping to sign a striker. He last week put in a seven-day approach for a prolific goalscorer and should know if he is successful on Thursday night.

He said: “The lad is a decent striker and scores goals. We’d like him to come to Dover and enjoy his football here. We’ve offered him a decent deal, which involves an 18-month contract.

“Dover are a big non-league club, with superb fans and a lovely ground. And, whatever happens this season, we are moving in the right direction again, ambitious to win trophies and climb back to where we belong.”

Meanwhile, keeper Paul Hyde should return to the side at Harrow after recovering from a head injury and Shane Hamshare is back from suspension. But Daniel Braithwaite is suspended.